It has been a week since the two groups of World ARC yachts
set out from Bora Bora to continue their journey westwards. Most of the yachts
visited the tiny mid-ocean atoll of Suwarrow to anchor in its peaceful lagoon
and spend some quiet time amongst the unspoilt scenery there. The reports have
been very complimentary about this little-heard-of place, where no one lives
and is only accessible by boat. Both groups have enjoyed meeting together ashore
each evening and snorkelling and diving during the day. Some also took it upon
themselves to do their bit to protect this National Park, and collected litter
and plastic from the outside shore. For those in the first group their time on
this little bit of paradise has now ended and they are making their way to the
next island of Niue.
The Rally departed in two groups to reduce the number of
boats in the anchorage at Suwarrow and on the moorings at Niue. Unfortunately
the weather has been a bit uncooperative and Rally Control has had to delay
some yachts departing from Suwarrow. There are worse places to be delayed! The
weather is also making the mooring field in Niue exposed to the wind and
swells, making it very uncomfortable. Crews will have to sit it out for 24
hours until they can get ashore safety in the middle of the week.
But waiting ashore in Niue is a spectacular experience. ‘The
Rock’ is made from igneous rock and has a lot of interesting coastline to visit
by following any of the sea tracks from its perimeter road. Diving in several
of the sea caves is also spectacular and the excellent visibility means one can
spot the Niue sea snakes at quite a distance. With normally only one flight in
and out a week the residents of Niue look after their tourists really well and
as World ARC’s arrival represents the equivalent of an extra plane load of
visitors, crews can look forward to a very special welcome.
The first yachts arriving from Suwarrow are expect on
Tuesday evening/ Wednesday morning, local time.