Since the 24th the fleet have been contending with some unfavourable weather. A small tropical low has been developing to the nor’east of Christmas Island causing strong sou’easterlies with much precipitation and frequent squalls over the route.
The fleet had been thoroughly enjoying their brief stopover in Christmas Island when the system first developed. All be it wet at times crews had enjoyed taking tours of Christmas Island and a BBQ dinner ashore. Unfortunately though their time exploring this vibrant island was cut short as crews focus turned to monitoring the conditions.
The fleet are now split, two yachts are currently anchored in Cocos (Keeling) Islands, five more are due in overnight and one more on Wednesday. Eight remain in Christmas Island.
The system is slowly moving south’east and forecast to pass Christmas Island sometime on the 28th or 29th. We monitor the forecast closely to see if those boats remaining in Christmas Island will remain or head to sea if conditions allow.
Of the two arrivals here in Cocos (Keeling) Islands, the first was yacht FIREFLY who have sailed from Malaysia and are re-joining World ARC after taking a year off to do some extending cruising around Asia, we look forward to hearing all about their adventures through this famed cruising ground. The second to arrive but the first yacht having departed Lombok on Leg 10 is Resolute II. Unfazed by the heavy conditions at seas Resolute II regularly recorded speeds at sea above 12 kts and on the final day reported 35 kts and 4 meter seas but commented;
“We're all well and have had a relatively comfortable day. We're looking forward to dinner on an anchor!!”
The destination in Cocos is the idyllic anchorage of Port Refuge on Direction Island however until winds abate around the 28th there will be limited opportunities for crews to explore ashore.