After a 230 nm crossing from Niue to Tonga, all the World ARC 2019-20 boats have now arrived safely into Vava’u. After 3 weeks of sailing in two separate groups participants were glad to be reunited with each other and enjoyed a fun afternoon catching up on stories of their adventures over a few chilled beverages in the Mango Grill & Bar which overlooks the charming bay beyond the town of Neiafu.
The locals have been looking forward to welcoming the fleet to the islands and they were excited to host an event for participants to attend and raise funds in aid of the Vava’u Library Scholarship Programme. Located at the Dancing Rooster Restaurant, guests were entertained by traditional dancing and listened to a heart-warming thank you speech form one of the current scholarship students. During the evening a raffle and auction took place to raise significant funds for the Programme. This really makes a difference to the local children and the World ARC were extremely proud to be able to support current and future students.
Now all the entry formalities are in place many of the boats are keen to cruise around the islands over the next few days before returning to the main town of Neiafu where the World ARC programme of events continues with tours of Ene’io Beach and Botanical Gardens, prizegiving dinner for Leg 5 and briefing on Fiji.