Yesterday all the crews at anchor in the Bay of Virgins were invited to a supper at the Hanavave Village Hall by Marie Christine the local tourism representative.
So after a gorgeous sunset over the bay, 30 World ARC yachtsfolk converged on the hall, the scene resembled many a village hall in England and brought us much closer to home (Peter said it was just like South Pool Village Hall!).
We were met by the local dignitaries and a long table was set down the middle of the room covered in locally prepared and presented food: breadfruit, bananas, coconut, fish, chicken (we think!) and goat. The meal was delicious. Added to this the boys and girls on Hebe made a local cocktail of foraged limes and rum which got everyone into a good mood. After supper the tables were pulled back and the boys and girls of all ages from the village performed a number of traditional dances. The boys played the drums and other percussion instruments; like a bamboo pole and the girls danced. As on similar occasions the crews were dragged on to the floor to hone their dancing skills- the South Africans seen to have the best hip movement.
To finish off and to show our appreciation out came a guitar also from Hebe and a rendition of Hey Jude got everyone singing and the locals kept the rythym on their drums. A great and memorable night in a very special place.
Paul, David and Peter