Making landfall in picturesque Hiva Oa is a sailor's dream. The longest leg of their circumnavigation, 2956.263 nautical miles, Lunatix was the first boat to arrive in Ta'a Oa Bay, followed by Cayuse. In true island style, the skippers and crew were greeted with flower lei's, fresh fruit and lots of local information. After clearing immigration and customs, the World ARC fleet have an outdoor adventurer playground to explore. Hiva Oa is the second largest island in the Marquesas, 320 square kilometers, with 2,200 people. It is a beautiful, lush island filled with treasures to be found around every corner.
Hiva Oa is the largest and most fertile of the southern Marquesas islands. The island features steep cliffs abruptly rising from the ocean to a rugged interior spine of volcanic mountains, ridges, and deep, isolated valleys. Hiva Oa is famous for being the final home of French painter Paul Gauguin and Belgian singer Jacques Brel, both of whom are buried in Calvary Cemetery, overlooking Atuona. It is also home to the largest tiki sculptures in French Polynesia.
The reception and prizegiving for Leg 4 will be held on March 28 in Nuku Hiva, the largest island in the Marquesas.
Congratulations to all the sailors who have crossed the biggest part of the Pacific Ocean!