The shortest passage for the World ARC fleets circumnavigation of only 130 nautical miles from Mauritius to La Reunion provided mixed conditions. First arrivals to Le Port found on the north west side of the island where crews are currently based started at 0800 Friday morning where Hugur was first to moor alongside. Consecutive arrivals saw all yachts being berthed by 1400.
A welcome reception hosted by the Office de Tourisme de l’Ouest on the evening of arrival included words of welcome from the Mayor of Le Port Olivier Hoarau and the prize giving of leg 12 of the fleets circumnavigation. Aretha took first place on corrected time closely followed by GarliX and Circe all winning a small prize for their achievements. The evening ended with local dancing, live music and drinks with finger food offered by the Dodo Palme Restaurant.
To help and enhance the experience for the crews to explore La Réunion during their stay, last Sunday a tour ran by the Ile de La Réunion Tourisme introduced the fleet to some of the spectacular sights of the island including Piton de la Fournaise and a viewing of the lava flow dating back to the 2007 volcanic eruption.
The fleet are currently enjoying their free time exploring La Reunion including hiking, paragliding and even helicopter excursions for some! Tomorrow evening the Dodo Palme Resataurant is hosting the World ARC annual Halloween Party where locals from Le Port are invited to get to know the fleet over a fun evening. Saturday morning marks the departures to Richards Bay, South Africa taking the crews on their last passage completing their Indian Ocean crossing. Only the South Atlantic awaits them in the new year!