The World ARC fleet have been enjoying another full programme here in Port Vila; round the island tours, abseiling down waterfalls and a dinner dance with light-hearted prize giving. As the previous start from Fiji was abandoned due to weather concerns, Leg 6 was not competitive and rather than award prizes based on sailing performance crews nominated their own prize categories and winners. The results were great fun and it was a night enjoyed by all.
Whilst preparing to depart for Mackay, Australia the fleet have been based at Yachting World Vanuatu; a marina with excellent facilities including the Waterfront Bar & Grill which has been a popular spot for participants and sun-downers overlooking the picturesque harbour. 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.
Today outbound clearances are being completed ahead of the skippers briefing this afternoon in preparation for the World ARC’s departure tomorrow morning at 1100 hours (UTC +11). The weather ahead looks variable for the first couple days at sea as a low pressure system passes to the south though from Sunday onward the fleet should be enjoying fine trade wind conditions as they sail west towards Australia, passing to the north of New Caledonia and through the Great Barrier Reef before making landfall in Mackay.