Niue was an unexpected haven for the World ARC yachts after what was a tougher than usual passage. Some of the yachts missed Suwarrow as a result of a low pressure trough that gave twenty four hours of strong gale force winds, sailing direct to Niue. Others were sheltered in Suwarrow as the trough passed, and had a reasonable passage. Unusually the sea off Niue was calmer than normal, with little swell, making landing at Alofi easier, and hoisting the dinghy ashore less of an ordeal. Without exception the participants were pleased to have stopped at Niue, remarking that the island had much more to offer than had been expected. The warmth of the welcome from the islanders was amazing, the landscape interesting, and the history fascinating.
Niue Yacht Club organised a full programme of activities, including drinks at the New Zealand High Commissioners Residence, and a local Fia Fia feast arranged by the residents of Alofi North. It was with some reluctance that the fleet eventually cast off their moorings for the short sail to Vava’u in Tonga.
After a reasonably light sail on the first night the breeze filled in to give a boisterous sail in strong winds and large swell; the sail was not without incident, with Juno suffering a break to their in-mast mainsail furling system, which necessitated them taking the mainsail off, and sailing under jib only, making for an uncomfortable passage with no steadying effect from the mainsail.
Aretha was sailing with contaminated fuel, and whilst they had a jury system rigged up to enable them to motor into harbour at the end of the leg, half way from the finish line the engine did cut out. Makena made a swift manoeuvre alongside and towed them into harbour onto a mooring buoy, before slipping the tow and mooring themselves.
Neiafu Harbour has provided a welcome refuge for the World ARC fleet, with all boats now back together, enjoying some quiet time, exploring the island, visiting local anchorages, and generally relaxing in preparation for their cruising period in Fiji.