After completing what turned out to be a very light wind leg from Darwin, the World ARC fleet have been enjoying a relaxing stopover here in Lombok. In addition to the superb snorkelling found here on Gili Gede and nearby Gili Layar many crews have been traveling inland, experiencing local culture and visiting some of the scenic highlights of this beautiful island. Tours have been arranged by local tour company A & T with a number of crews spending a rare night ashore on two day tours to explore either the Volcanic mountains in the north or the stunning beaches and bays along the southern coast.
Saturday evening a World ARC prize giving dinner was held ashore in the beautiful Secret Island Resort. A tasty buffet of local Indonesian cuisine was enjoyed in pretty tropical surrounds where prizes were awarded by World Cruising Club Director, Andrew Bishop. With over 2 thirds of yachts reporting motoring on the last leg in excess of 100 hours the results were dominated by those yachts who were willing to endure the light wind conditions with as little motoring as possible. 3rd prize was awarded to Exody, 2nd Prize Circe and 1st Place Garlix who reported an incredibly low 16 hours of engine use. To make up for the lack of wind a number of fun prizes were also awarded.
Sunday afternoon Skippers attended a Skippers Briefing in preparation for the upcoming leg to the Australian territories of Christmas Island and Cocos Keeling Islands, the good news is there looks to be fine trade wind conditions and pleasant sailing as the fleet enter the Indian Ocean.
This morning under beautiful blue skies and light south easterly winds World ARC got underway on Leg 10. The 1175 NM route across the north east Indian Ocean will take in a 48 hour stopover at Christmas Island before finally arriving in Cocos Keeling Islands. Start line operations were performed aboard the yacht Basilea, skippered by Ray La Fontaine of Marina del Ray, World ARC’s host during our stopover in Lombok.