17 World ARC boats took part on the start of leg 9 from
Darwin to Bali last Tuesday and 10 are expected tomorrow, Monday, in the compact Benoa Bali Marina.
So far no incidents or major problems were reported and some
crews really made the most of the lack of wind with a mid Ocean dip.
“At 10:45 AM we
invited Sirocco of Oz to a swim party around noon or so. They accepted, not
knowing what to expect. We turned off our engine and rolled up our mainsail.
Joel hopped in the water and found a kelp tree or whatever it was wrapped around
the top and front of our keel. The size of a medium sized Christmas tree.
Sirocco pulled up and dropped their sails at around noon. The boats were
separated by about 50 to 100 meters. I swam over to their boat, and then John
and I swam back to our boat. The crew from Sirocco all jumped into the water,
something new to them because around Darwin you can't do that due to the
presence of deadly 'salties,' salt water crocodiles. Sirocco had just joined
the Rally in Darwin and so it was good to spend some time with them on the open
sea. After Sirocco departed Polaris pulled up, dropped their sails and then
their entire crew jumped into the water.” Brian on American Spirit.
Tomorrow arrivals will
spend the day sorting out everything aboard and skippers will complete formalities
to clear in to Indonesia. After this, everyone is free to explore the beautiful
island of Bali. One of the spectacular aspects of the World ARC route is how
crews can sail out of one country and only days later arrive in a place
that is completely different in every way. Outward signs of the importance of
religion in Balinese way of life are unavoidable, and on every exploration
around the island one can see family statues of worship, flower offerings on
the ground and often temple buildings. The architecture is soundly of south East
Asian influence and is spectacular. The climate is warm and humid, and the
people exceptionally friendly and welcoming.
The World ARC
programme kicks off on Wednesday with a guided tour around Bali, Prize Giving
on Friday and Skipper’s Briefing on Saturday in preparation for the next leg.