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The arrival of 6 boats from American Samoa on Tuesday marks the further ‘coming together’ of the World ARC fleet since they set off from Bora Bora in the middle of May. These crews had spent some time accompanying Ensemble to Samoa and then into a dry dock so that work could be carried out to their damaged hull. It has been unusually long time apart in several smaller groups, so the last few days have been spent catching up, as well as appreciating what the Vava’u group of islands in the Kingdom of Tonga has to offer.
In total, 23 boats of the fleet have now arrived in Tonga although several have also already arrived in Fiji. The Vava’u group of islands are splendid for exploring by yacht but there’s also a fantastic yachting personality to the otherwise normal town of Neia’fu which welcomes visiting sailors with open arms. There is an extremely useful cruiser net each morning, providing a good source of weather and information about what’s going on around town. Many of the local bars and restaurants advertise their theme nights and menu’s on this service, making it a useful way to plan one’s day.
So it will be with reluctance that the fleet clear out of The Kingdom of Tonga over the next 5 days or so but the next step of the World ARC journey is equally as enjoyable. The crews will check into Fiji under their own arrangements at either Savusavu, Suva or Lautoka and will free cruise the islands before meeting up again in Musket Cove Resort, Fiji, on 4 July.
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