One of the most touching moments in Port Resolution was the ceremony of Gift Exchange; the island of Tanna was hit by Category 5 Cyclone Pam in 2015 and still shows many signs of the devastation with many fallen trees and damaged buildings.
World ARC fleet have purchased many practical goods such as rope, tools, nails, electric cables, bulbs, and other items that can assist the locals rebuild and improve their communities and homes. In addition to those items so generously donated by the fleet, World Cruising Club also made a significant contribution of goods specifically for the rebuilding of the PRYC.
The day before leaving for a few days of cruising in the archipelago the Port Resolution Yacht Club organized a Gift Exchange Ceremont, a formal occasion where the fleet is officially welcomed into the village with speeches by some of the elders and celebratory song and dance.
The villages presented each of us with beautiful hats woven of green palm fronds and decorated with bright hibiscus flowers and bougainvillea. Each skipper then introduced themselves, their crew and spoke briefly about their voyages before presenting gifts to the community.
In appreciation the villagers presented the skippers with woven baskets full of locally grown fruits and vegetables, and received all the item the fleet purchased to support the community.
The ceremony was then finished off with more wonderful song and dance from the villagers. It touches each of us to see how genuinely the community appreciates our visit.
“This is like Christmas for us and for them! This is awesome!”
Lori from SY Barbara Jean
The same day the fleet enjoyed a delicious buffet at Port Resolution Yacht Club with many local dishes, vegetables and fruits.
The fleet are now on a brief free cruising period before coming together again in Port Vila on the main island of Efate in two days.
