Gigi, the young cat adopted by the crew of Gray Lady in Palma de Majorca during the summer of 2007, has been reunited with her owners, having spent time in quarantine in Cairns. Gigi was a stray that was rescued by skipper Christopher Sardo, along with Olga Vaschuk and Boris Fedorov, when they were visiting yacht brokers in the Mediterranean island whilst shopping for yacht to sail around the world. The papers were signed for a Dixon 72 with Gigi asleep in Olga's handbag. She's grown from kitten to cat, grown accustomed to her floating home, and become a favourite with the other yachtsmen.
In other news. the Darwin Port Authority are working hard to prepare the Duck Pond Marina berthing facility for the World ARC yachts. Each of the yachts must undergo inspection by contractors working on behalf of the Fisheries Department, to ensure that they are not carrying any mussels which are not native to this part of Australia. The treatment involves a hull inspection carried out by divers, along with a 14 hour chemical treatment to internal salt-water systems.
Darwin marks the third and final stop-over in Australia, and offers the crews fantastic opportunities to explore the outback which includes the highest concentration of original Aboriginal art. The World ARC programme includes a reception held at HMAS Coonawara, home to the Australian Navy's Northern Patrol Boat Squadron, and another reception hosted by the Indonesian Consul to Darwin, Mr Harbangan Napitupulu. Darwin Sailing Club, along with Dinah Beach Cruising Association have thrown open their doors to the visiting sailors, offering complimentary membership, full use of the superb facilities, and an open invite to all the social activities.
The fleet are expected to arrive into Darwin between Monday 25 and Wednesday 27 August, with a racing start scheduled for midday on Wednesday 3 September.