It is with absolute wonder that the fleet reflect on the past few days spent in the magical village of Port Resolution on the island of Tanna in Vanuatu. It’s a rare privilege to be so warmly welcomed into such a remote community, the happy faces of those we’ve met and the warm memories will surely stay with crews for life.
Port Resolution is not an official port of entry into Vanuatu yet the World Cruising Club work closely with the local officials to be able to provide clearances at the Port Resolution Yacht Club. Following clearances and a welcome respite from the previously wet and windy weather, the fleet were rewarded with fine blue skies to explore the picturesque villages ashore.%20res.jpg)
A tour was arranged for the fleet to visit what is known locally as a Kastom Village for a presentation of song and dance in traditional costume - a fantastic display of the local culture. After the Kastom Village the fleet headed to the much anticipated night time visit of the Mt Yasur volcano. Mt Yasur is a very active volcano and without the health and safety barriers we would expect at home visitors are able to walk right up the rim of the volcano and look down into the violent crater. Regular explosions send red hot lava high in the air accompanied by thunderous noises – it’s an amazing experience and after nightfall great opportunity for the photographers in the fleet.
The following day was the gift exchange, a formal occasion where the fleet is officially welcomed into the village with speeches by some of the elders and celebratory song and dance. The villages presented each crew with beautiful hats woven of green palm fronds and decorated with bright hibiscus flowers and bougainvillea. Each skipper then introduced themselves, their crew and spoke briefly about their voyages before presenting gifts to the community. In appreciation the villagers presented the skippers with woven baskets full of locally grown fruits and vegetables. The ceremony was then finished off with more wonderful song and dance from the villagers. It touches each crew to see how genuinely the community appreciates our visit.
That evening on the grassy lawns of the Port Resolution Yacht Club crews sat under a bright starry sky for a feast of local foods, drink and music. It was a very enjoyable night and crews danced together with the villagers well into the evening.
The fleet are now on a brief free cruising period before coming together again in Port Vila on the main island of Efate in two days. Along the way some yachts will overnight in Dillons Bay on Erromango Island.
The programme in Port Vila begins on Monday.