For the last few days the World ARC fleet have been enjoying the comforts of Yachting World Marina in Port Vila, Vanuatu. Following the stopover in Port Resolution the yachts were on a brief free cruising period; some yachts stayed on in Port Resolution enjoying their time with the villagers and offering assistance ashore, others headed to the nearby island of Erromango and the delightful Dillons Bay while the remaining yachts headed straight for Vanuatu’s capital in Mele Bay on the island of Efate.
Yesterday the crews were out on a ‘Round the Island’ tour where they travelled by bus around the island of Efate experiencing many of the local delights including Blue Pools and Havana Harbour. As well as seeing the natural beauty of Efate this year the tour was tailored to consider the effects of recent Cyclone Pam. Crews got to see first-hand some of the devastation to the landscapes and villages most affected by high winds. While the island is now very green again the number of downed trees and rebuilding projects is still a staggering sight.
Last night participants enjoyed having a drink and dinner together in the Waterfront Bar and Grill here in Yachting World Marina for the Welcome Dinner and Prize Giving Function. The leg from Fiji to Vanuatu was very competitive with just 2 hours and 30 minutes separating the top 3 monohulls. Congratulation’s to Starblazer in 3rd place, Garlix in 2nd place and with a corrected time of just 3 days 1 hours and 43 minutes 1st place was awarded to Brizo. First place in the multihulls division was awarded to Makena with a similarly fast corrected time of just 3 days 13 hours and 24 minutes.
Crews are now preparing for Australia, outbound clearances are being performed this morning ahead of a skippers briefing this afternoon. The start of Leg 7 from Port Vila to Mackay is scheduled for 10am tomorrow but skippers are anxiously watching a small low that is forecast to provide high winds and squall activity over the route immediately west of Port Vila on Saturday. Once the low weakens on Sunday though the fleet should be enjoying fine trade wind conditions as they sail west towards Australia. The route passes to the north of New Caledonia and through the Great Barrier Reef, via the Hydrographers Passage, before making landfall in Mackay, Australia.
Elsie & Bryan Stoneham of Yachting World Vanuatu have been wonderful hosts to the fleet during the stopover in Port Vila and World Cruising would like to thank them for their continued support. As always the Waterfront Bar & Grill has been a popular spot for participants enjoying sun-downers overlooking the picturesque harbour of Mele Bay.