Tipperary Marina in Darwin has now become the home of World ARC for the Darwin stopover. The original plan was to go in to the “Duck Pond” or fishing boat basin but with 8-meter tides to contend with, all marinas in Darwin have locks in the entrance and overrunning maintenance on the fishing harbour lock gates meant that it was unavailable. The owners and staff of Tipperary marina have been taking extreme measures to get the fleet in to their small private facility even to the point of cutting off the “wings” that normally stop people climbing round the dock gate to make extra berths. The marina owner made the modification after learning that yachts that had sailed half way round the world to visit Darwin were facing the possibility of spending the week anchored off the city.

What started off as “well lets see if we can find you a couple of slots” tuned into a full blown commitment to fit the fleet in once boats started arriving in Darwin. The fleet have been impressed by the friendliness and cheerfulness of Australians since arriving in Cairns but the welcome shown by John and Keith the dockmasters has exceeded expectations yet again. John has been working from dawn til dusk to get boats through his lock when the tide is right. “No worries mate” is not an Aussie cliché but the mission statement here.

With the boats tucked securely into Tipperary Marina crews are taking the opportunity to go walkabout into the outback and visit Lichfield Park or Kakadu. The Dianah Beach cruising Yacht Association has opened its doors (and bar) to the sailors; last nights live entertainment went on much later than usual on a Wednesday night as the crews took to the dance floor. With the Darwin Festival reaching its finale this weekend and Australia playing Bangladesh at cricket on Saturday there is plenty to see and do and everyone is taking full advantage. This is turning into yet another memorable stopover for our floating village, thank you Darwin.