can we help
+44(0)1983 296060
+1 757-788-8872
tell me moreJoin a rally

Menu

World ARC 2022 Circumnavigators Restart Their Adventure



At the beginning of September eager crews gathered for World ARC 2022 - the re-start of a round the world journey for participants from the 2019/2020 & 2021  editions of the rally along with 1 new joiner here in Darwin, Australia.

A family feel quickly developed amongst the intimate group, with 6 yachts and 23 crew looking forward to rallying on the ocean waves. Whilst a smaller fleet than in a typical edition of World ARC, the pre-start buzz around Tipperary Waters Marina was still filled with excitement, perhaps even more so as crews were reunited and were pleased to join the organised programme arranged by the World Cruising Club Yellow Shirt Team following the suspension of community cruising during the pandemic.

Friday 2 September saw a welcome drinks gathering held on the marina's boardwalk giving crew an opportunity to continue to get to know each other after the impromptu pontoon party the night before.

The fun continued the following evening when the fleet were entertained with dinner at the Dina Beach Yacht Cruisers Association, the local yacht club. A friendly venue with the fleet being welcomed by staff and members, exchanging stories and advice.

Crews were then up early the next day for one of the highlights of the programme, a visit the Jumpin' Crocs on the Adelaide River. Jake the driver entertained the fleet on the bus journey to the river, stopping at the Boxing Croc in Humpty Doo for a quick break and photos. Story has it that the Croc, standing at 6m was built to commemorate Australia beating the USA in the America's Cup.

  

The river trip left all in no doubt about the power of these mighty creatures. With some trepidation participants were introduce to Dominator an 80 year old male coming in at 6.5m in length. Others followed and crews all had the opportunity to experience a truly 'up-close and personal' trip with a number of the crocs in the river, from the safety of the aluminium boat.

"The Adelaide River is well know for crocodiles and with almost 1 every 100m," The guide pointed out, "While you might not be able to see them, it doesn't mean they aren't there!" 

By Monday, the day before the start for the leg to Medana Bay, attentions turned to final preparations generating a busy atmosphere in the marina. The whole fleet attended the skippers briefing for the journey which covered the weather for the route, schedule for the SSB Radio Net, advice for the approaching Lombok and protocols on arrival. A farewell drinks followed the briefing, kindly hosted by the Tipperary Waters Marina Lock master Pete. Another fun evening slightly tempered by the impending departure for Lombok the next day.

Start Day - With the team from the Australian Border Force flying through their departure checks on Tuesday morning,  the yachts were ready to leave the marina locking out one by one at high tide before making their way south to Stokes Hill Wharf and the start line.

The weather, while light, provided a good breeze for a 'competitive' start with the line being keenly challenge by all. Celtic Star (Oceanis 461) crossed first closely followed by Jubilate Mare (Oyster 47) and new to the fleet, Ko Tangaroa (Oyster 545) powering across the line to go on to take the lead shortly thereafter.

Lombok awaits the fleet and the Yellow Shirt team fly ahead to greet them in Medana Marina. Their progress can be followed on the Fleet Viewer and free YB Races app for mobiles and tablets. 

 


Previous | Next