Following a relatively short stopover in Christmas Island described as a ‘Jewel of the Indian Ocean’, 11 of the World ARC fleet have now arrived in their next paradise, the Cocos (Keeling) Islands. From first settlement in 1826 by English merchant Alexander Hare, through decades of administration by the Clunies-Ross dynasty, most island inhabitants had little freedom or contact with the outside world. The strategic position of the islands destined Cocos to be a military stronghold throughout World War One and Two.
On arrival in Cocos the fleet anchor in Port Refuge, a beautiful tranquil bay on the western edge of Direction Island where they clear in with the Australian Federal Police and Customs. An uninhabited island, the fleet can use the opportunity to fully relax before their crossing to Mauritius, a 2530 nautical mile sail departing next Monday.
A short but wet dinghy ride away is Home Island. Home to 500 Malay people the island has a small restaurant where there is the chance to try the local spicy cuisine and snorkel or dive in the atolls waters which are full of vibrant sea life.
As the remainder of the fleet arrives tomorrow, a fun programme of events organised by the Cocos Keeling Islands Visitors Centre gives crews plenty to look forward to. On Saturday, there will be a World ARC 'Away Day' on West Island, a short ferry trip from the fleet’s anchorage giving chance to shop, internet and meet the locals. A crew BBQ on Direction Island on Sunday means there will be plenty to occupy the fleet’s weekend whilst in Cocos. On top of the organised activities, Cocos is well known for attracting divers, surfers and kite surfers of all abilities giving the perfect chance to have an adrenaline packed time before setting sail again.