24 Boats of the
World ARC fleet made Landfall in Tanna – One of the southern most Islands from
Vanuatu.
More precise,
they made Landfall in Port Resolution – the same Bay Captain Cook sailed into
during his first Voyage in 1774. As our sailors today, he was attracted and
fascinated by the glow of the active Volcano Mount Yasur, which is visible for
many miles during the night.
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The glow itself
was not enough!
It was a tick off the bucket list for many of the rally participants when they
had the chance to stand within meters of the world’s most accessible active
volcano as part of the World ARC Tour.
With the whiff of sulphur in the air and the whooshing, roaring sounds
happening around them, earth shaking, everybody looked on avidly as the bright orange
fireworks of lava periodically exploded in front of their eyes.
Nerve-wracking
for some, for others it’s captivating watching nature at its most
ferocious. We went up the mountain, just before sunset, as the colours
spiralling in front of of the darkness are absolutely stunning.
As the group
headed up to Mt Yasur volcano, they stopped at Kastom Village where they were
met by villagers in traditional dress. I don't think anyone
anticipated how culturally different the outer islands of Vanuatu could be,
where they still hold on to very traditional values.
The sailors
learned how to traditionally make fire and danced the traditional dances
together with the villagers. With the Volcano in the background, the sounds of
the rumbling drums and the vibrating earth as we jumped, the whole scenery was incredibly
strong, unique….. and somewhat mysthic….
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Another
incredibly touching day for the World ARC rally participants was when
they were officially welcomed by the villagers from Port Resolution, who
presented them with grass garlands and hats made from coconut
palms.
Many useful
items had been specifically purchased for this visit, such as clothes, bedding,
stationery and schoolbooks. They also donated pre-loved boating items
such as ropes and lines, useful for so many things, not least swings for the
kids!
In a moving
ceremony, the sailors not only exchanged gifts with the villagers, also many
vibrant songs where exchanged during this day.
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Like every
Year, also World Cruising Club supported Port Resolution with a special gift.
This Year, Werry, the commadore of the Port Resolution Yacht Club inquired for
a couple of gasoline powered bush cutters and 100 Meters of water pipe for the
village.
The Rally Control Team in Port Vila managed to organize those Items and could
hand them over to a representative of Tanna, who is arranging to transfer the goods to the island.
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On the evening of 14 July, World ARC Rally and the
Department of Tourism, hosted a vibrant farewell dinner for the participants at
the Waterfront Restaurant and Bar in Port-Vila. The celebration included live-entertainment
and a prize-giving ceremony, recognizing standout achievements among the fleet
across various sailing categories.
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It was an honhour to spend the evening together with
Paul Pio, director of the Vanuatu Tourist department which sponsored a big part
of the Prizes given out. Paul Pio said:
"It was a truly festive evening and a moment
of shared celebration, we are proud to host such a significant
international event, and we are delighted that the sailors have enjoyed
Vanuatu’s rich cultural heritage, natural beauty, and our people’s legendary
friendliness."
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