Since late July the World ARC fleet have been on free cruising period, enjoying the many delights of the Whitsunday Islands and cruising Queensland’s Coral Coast. This popular Australian sailing destination is a fantastic area and as the local pilot book says, is ‘100 Magic Miles’ of idyllic coastline. Yachts have enjoyed visiting beautiful beaches, islands and pleasant marinas including; Whitehaven beach, Hamilton Island, Lizard Island, Airlie Beach and Cairns.
The passage North from Cairns included rounding Cape York, the most northerly tip of Australia, crossing the Gulf of Carpentaria before entering the Arafura Sea and eventually the port of Darwin. Yachts will have sailed some 1500nm since departing Mackay and almost a month later this cruising period is coming to an end in Darwin where the fleet will prepare for their next leg to the Indonesian Island of Lombok.
Luna Quest was first to arrive in Darwin with the majority of the fleet now here and just a few arriving later this week. On arrival in Darwin the yachts are required to undergo a hull inspection and treatment for the prevention of marine pests in accordance with Darwin Aquatic Biosecurity. It’s a simple treatment where divers inspect the hull underwater and then an engineer adds biocide to the seawater systems on board. After the treatment is complete yachts are then free to proceed to their marina berths.
Darwin is a vibrant city known as a tropical melting pot of food and culture that reflects it’s close proximity to Asia. Crews can look forward to program highlights such as the sunset markets on Mindil Beach, welcome drinks hosted by Tipperary Waters Marina and a crocodile tour to Adelaide River. With superb large supermarkets and excellent nautical supplies Darwin is also a great place to provision and prepare for coming legs to Lombok, Christmas Island and Cocos Keeling islands before heading out into the Indian Ocean.
The World ARC fleet will be in Darwin until the start of Leg 9 to Lombok on 1st September.