The fifth visit of World ARC to Mauritius again proved to be a stopover which was thoroughly enjoyed due to the hospitality, facilities and beauty of the island. During their visit, crews took the opportunity to explore what Mauritius has to offer including a World ARC tour visiting sites in the north of the island including Chateau Labourdonnais, L’Aventure du Sucre and the Botanical Gardens.
An evening co-hosted by the Cauden Waterfront and the Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority last Tuesday was a fun and traditional way for the World ARC fleet to be welcomed to Port Louis. Words of welcome and thanks were followed by the prize giving for leg 11 Cocos (Keeling) Islands to Mauritius. With good wind for the entire crossing, engines were used at a minimum seeing the Halberg Rassy 48
Circe take first place closely followed by
Ayama and
Aretha.
Following the prize giving crews were entertained with the traditional ‘sega dance’ before being invited to join the dancers make the most of a Mauritian buffet.
Yesterday was the conclusion of the World ARCs time in Mauritius marked by a multi faith blessing ceremony highlighting how multicultural Mauritius truly is. The ceremony involved three different faiths blessing the fleet wishing them a safe onward passage before a finale of dragon dancers and firecrackers finished.
Today the crews have arrived in La Reunion following the shortest sail of their circumnavigation, only 130 nautical miles. The start from Port Louis saw GarliX and Circe cross the line first, closely followed by the remainder of the fleet. The light winds gave chance for a few to fly their spinnakers creating a small spectacle on the fleets departure. Unfortunately due to mechanical issues, Tulasi remain in Port Louis however hope to join in La Reunion at the earliest opportunity.