14 yachts from the World ARC fleet are heading out into the Pacific Ocean for the last time as they commence Leg 7, Port Vila, Vanuatu to Mackay, Australia.
For the last few days the World ARC fleet have been enjoying the comforts of Yachting World Marina in Port Vila, Vanuatu.
Following the stopover in Port Resolution the yachts were on a brief free cruising period in the beautiful Vanuatu Archipelago.
Monday the crews were out on a ‘Round the Island’ tour where they travelled by bus around the island of Efate experiencing many of the local delights including rainforest and beaches.
Last night participants enjoyed the dinner at the Waterfront Bar and Grill here in Yachting World Marina for the Welcome Dinner and Prize Giving Function.
For the Leg from Fiji to Vanuatu the first place on division A goes to Aliena followed by Wishanger and Mystique Soul and the first place in division B goes to Pentagram followed by Mearra Nieida and Toujours Belle at third place.
Boats are now heading to Australia, the start of Leg 7 from Port Vila to Mackay was today at 9 AM, the fleet should be enjoying fine trade wind conditions as they sail west.
The start line was between the Port and Starboard lateral markers across the entrance of Port Vila Bay and a 15 knot easterly made for a brisk downwind start.
The first yacht across the start line was Carango followed by Toujours Belle and then Wishanger.
The course directs the boats to a waypoint north of New Caledonia to keep clear of the reef D’Entrecasgeuz and then onto the finish line which is at the entrance to the Hydrographers Passage. This is a big shipping lane which provide a safe way through Australia’s Great Barrier Reef to make landfall in Mackay.
Elsie & Bryan Stoneham of Yachting World Vanuatu have been wonderful hosts to the fleet during the stopover in Port Vila and World Cruising would like to thank them for their continued support. As always the Waterfront Bar & Grill has been a popular spot for participants enjoying sun-downers overlooking the picturesque harbour of Mele Bay.
Alè Tata Vanuatu!