The quiet uninhabited Direction Island in the atoll of Cocos Keeling was the site of a very lively party on Friday night as the World ARC fleet got together again. Everything needed for a great BBQ on the beach was brought over from West Island on the ferry, food for everyone and a generator for light and the all important music. Jose from Restaurant Tropika sent three huge eskies containing salads, ice and the meat to be cooked over a fire made from coconut husks.

There is no transport on the lagoon after dark so a small tent village was put up on the beach to accommodate the West Islanders who came over to help. Mardi Bertram of the tourist association, her husband Gavin and Don Gardiner did a fantastic job of putting the whole thing together and doing the cooking. Dave Senior from the Australian Federal Police and Mark Shepherd the Quarantine official also stayed over as they were clearing the late arrivals until almost dark to make sure all could attend the party.

After the great tucker the crews danced on the tables and partied late into the night. The entertainment was varied; we were treated to a loud if not particularly tuneful rendition of Swing Low Sweet Chariot by the English rugby fans and a fine Freddy Mercury impersonation from Dr Ed.