After few days of free cruising in the stunning Marquesas Island, 110 crews of the World ARC fleet came ashore at Taioha’e Bay on the island of Nuku Hiva for a rendez vous, with local entertainment and a briefing on Tuamotu and Society island.
It was a splendid welcome for the fleet who have been exploring these easterly islands of French Polynesia, since they arrived from the Galapagos Islands during the middle of March.
The festivities began with a warm welcome with a group of local dancer, then displays of local customs and handicrafts.
World ARC crews could learn how to make jewellery or palm baskets, and whatever they managed to make with the help of their guides, they got to keep as a souvenir of their skill and effort.
On the black sand beach of the large bay, there was also the opportunity to try out crewing a pirogue, a typical Marquesan canoe.
Before dinner the participants attended the briefing about Tuamotus and Society Islands with Cameron a local sailor with a great experience on French Polynesia that gave lots of useful tips and details about the islands
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The fleet were then welcomed by members of the town and the Comite de Tourisme de Nuku Hiva. It was a fantastic event and a great opportunity for the two communities to interact.
In the evening the crews enjoyed a Marquesan buffet meal, some plates of which had been cooked in an underground oven. Accompanying the meal was live entertainment of local music and dance and a DJ as well.
It was a spectacular end of a beautiful day.
