Today, Tuesday 10 September, saw the start of World ARC 2024-25 Leg 9 - northern Australia to Indonesia. With easy wind conditions on the start line in Darwin Bay, it was a very civilised start for the fleet which saw Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 49, Bahati, cross the line first followed by Fatjax, a Shipman 63, and then Mistral of Portsmouth, an Oyster 56. As the wind increased a little the remaining fleet quickly picked up pace and they were all smartly over the line in no time.
Having experienced the magic of the Pacific the fleet arrived in Australia at the beginning of August. Since their arrival, the boats have had the opportunity to visit some extraordinary islands along the east coast. Andy and Heejung on Kaja are having a wonderful experience and have found all the destinations equally as exciting. As for their time in Australia, Heejung said “it’s been really great and all the stunning islands were so unexpected, we’ve had so much fun”.
Last minute boat jobs and provisioning for the longer routes ahead have kept everyone busy in Darwin, but there has also been time to take in the vastness of the northern territories. As part of the World Cruising Club organised programme, there was a tour arranged to the outback. A visit to Fogg Dam Conservation Reserve on route to the Adelaide River took in spectacular panoramic views across the Top End wetlands providing a great introduction to the many varieties of magnificent wildlife and abundance of stunning flora in the area. It was then on to meet the mighty Brutus, the local crocodile who is reported to be around 100 years old! A guided cruise along the river provided a wealth of information about these magnificent and extraordinary creatures who have roamed these parts for many centuries.
During their time in Darwin, the fleet have enjoyed welcome drinks at Dinah Beach Cruising Yacht Association, and we take this opportunity to thank Wendy McCullan, General Manager, and her very supportive team for a very warm welcome.
Robbie Standaloft is the Marina Manager for both locations where the fleet have been moored in Darwin - Tipperary Waters and Cullen Bay Marina. Robbie was not only on site every day to offer support and help to all the boats on the docks, but he also provided a fun evening on the pontoon where the drinks flowed, and delicious sausages sizzled on the barbeque. Our thanks to Robbie, Gabrielle over at Cullen Bay and all the lock masters for your efforts to ensure the fleet enjoyed their stay in Darwin.
Additionally, we would like to thank Eddie at Frying Nemo for providing a room to conduct the checkout procedures in comfort. And, not least we would like to mention the very efficient team at the Australian Boarder Force. As part of the pre-organisation, the team of officers kindly prepared all the boats’ paperwork in advance and came to the marina to conduct the check-out procedures. Experienced Officers on site meant it took only a matter of minutes to check out each boat.
As the World ARC Rally heads westward to continue their quest to sail the world, the fleet is joined by 4 new boats in Darwin, most of which have rejoined from World ARC 2023 or previous ARC rallies. A further 9 boats will join in Indonesia making the ongoing fleet 22 boats in total. Meeting new crews, rekindling friendships and continuing with already firmly established bonds will only add to the wonderful camaraderie and spirit that already exists amongst the crews.
The route from Darwin to Lombok will see the fleet cover approximately 920NM reaching Medana Bay Marina in about 7 days if not sooner for the faster boats in the fleet. Participants are sure to receive a warm welcome from the islanders and they all look forward to experiencing new and exciting adventures ahead.