World ARC yachts are now safely tucked into the landlocked bay of Port Refuge of the island of Vava’u in Tonga. With weather front passing through most people are planning to stay here for a few days before starting their cruising leg of Tonga and Fiji.

There has been plenty to keep the crews busy with a beach party and feast on Monday night at Lucky Beach, which was enjoyed by all.

On Tuesday night a welcome party was held at the Paradise Hotel here in Neiafu. Edgar Cocker the Director/ CEO of the Ministry of Tourism flew in from Nukualofa to welcome the yachts and present each one with a certificate commemorating their visit to Tonga. He spoke of the hope that Tonga could become a destination for increased numbers of tourists in the next twelve months as it is presently well off the beaten track. As well as an excellent BBQ supper the crews were treated to a display of dancing by the very professional children of the Vava’u Side School and later danced themselves by the pool. So much fun was being had that many then went on to the Bounty Bar in town and partied well into the small hours, quite a feat in Tonga where most social events start when tropical darkness falls at 6PM and end well before midnight Laurence, owner of the Bounty Bar was on the local cruisers VHF net yesterday morning saying, “World ARC, you guys are the party people of the Pacific!”

Last night there was another great BBQ at the Vava’u Yacht Club with lobster, a roast pig and other local dishes on the buffet table. Crews are still catching up with one another after the various routes they took to Tonga so it was another lively night finished off by some with a visit to Tonga Bob’s Bar to see the legendary Lady Boys of the Pacific floor show.

Tonight as the boats are still going to be in town, Laurence is putting on a Kava night at the Bounty Bar. During the days the one hire car in town has been busy doing island tours with different crews and many have been diving or just chilling around town where there are some very good souvenirs on sale as well as the home cooking in the Tropicana Café a popular spot for lunch overlooking the harbour. Most local businesses here are geared up for visiting yachtsmen who form the bulk of the visitors so it is possible to book a table for dinner, find a outboard engine repair shop or book a dive all on the VHF radio.

Yachts will be cruising independently from here to Fiji where they meet on 2 July so look out for the daily logs to keep up to date with the fun.