Since arrival in French Polynesia and a rendezvous in the striking Marquesas Islands, the fleet have enjoyed a free cruising period visiting the remote island group of the Tuamotus before arriving in Papeete, the capital of Tahiti. Following a long construction period of the new town marina ‘Quay des Yachts’, the World ARC fleet have been welcomed as the first yachts to use the marina boasting its brand new facilities and convenient location for the town centre.
Yesterday the social programme started with an informative briefing from Stéphanie Betz (Archipelagoes SARL) who shared her top tips for sailing the Leeward and Windward Islands, highlighting the must see destinations. The prize giving for Leg 4 of the fleet’s circumnavigation (Galapagos to French Polynesia) followed whilst crew enjoyed freshly cut coconuts. First on corrected time was the XP-44 GarliX, closely followed by the Beneteau First 47.7 Exocet Strike and the Oyster 575 Juno of London. In the multihull division Makena, a Lagoon 62 took first prize.
During the evening, crews were invited to take part in the official opening ceremony for Quay des Yachts. Numerous officials including the President of French Polynesia Édouard Fritch, Mayor of Papeete Michel Buillard and the Director of the Port Mario Banner were present to declare the new marina open. The ceremony included speeches of thanks, Polynesian dancers and cocktails and in view of the new marina.
The fleet will now continue their free cruising period where many will take place in the Tahiti Pearl Regatta before arriving in Raiatea in preparation for the start of Leg 5 (Raiatea to Tonga via Suwarrow and Niue) on Sunday 10 May.
