After arriving in Hiva Oa, the fleet has enjoyed free cruising The Marquesas Islands, visiting the Bay of Virgins in Fatu Hiva, Pinnacles in `Ua Pou, beautiful beaches of Tahuata and the dramatic, lush landscape of Nuku Hiva. The group’s largest island, Nuku Hiva, provided the perfect location for the World ARC 2018/19 to reunite. Positioned peacefully at the base of dramatic lush mountains, Taiohae Bay provides a picture perfect anchorage for the fleet.
The Nuku Hiva tourism board warmly welcomed the fleet with traditional dancers, flower leis and fresh coconut water. An afternoon of cultural activities included live music, exotic fruit tasting, sampling of local fish dishes, workshops on palm leaf basket weaving, lei making and how to crack open a coconut!
In partnership with the World Cruising Club, the Nuku Hiva Tourism Board prepared an amazing Marquesan feast, cooking the meal in the ground, the traditional way. Prizes were awarded for the 4th and longest leg of the round the world rally. Welcome speeches were made by the Tourism Board President, the Mayor of Nuku Hiva and Stefano from World Cruising Club. Once again Alora claimed the top spot for Class A, Bijou took first place for Class B and Cayuse won the multihull division. The fun competition prize went to Emily Morgan, ETA to Spirit of Catherine and special recognition was given to Selene for “yachting perseverance” and Lunatix for "safety and seamanship”.
Following the awards, the cultural dancers wowed the crews with an impressive, energetic performance and left the World ARC fleet dancing and clapping along with the powerful drumbeats.
The white sand beaches of Anaho Bay and the stunning Vaipo waterfall hike accessible from Hakatea Bay are places participants are eager to visit before heading west to The Tuamotus. French Polynesian free cruising for the World ARC 2018/19 fleet has officially begun. Next rendezvous will be in Papeete, Tahiti where undoubtedly there will be many stories to share of memorable experiences in these magical islands.