Within an area of just 52 square miles (135 square km) and shaped like a terrier dog, Christmas Island has provided the fleet with many memorable gifts to take away.
This extraordinary Island first emerged from the seabed over 5 million years ago and over the millennia a series of terraces and magnificent cliffs have been created. They are now home to a vast array of birdlife such as the Golden Bosun with its very long tail and, of course, closer to the ground the famous army of red crabs.
An abundance of life continues under the sea with crews having the opportunity to snorkel in some of the best waters on the island right by the mooring field and dive spectacular sites just around the headland. With a reef around the shoreline, and a drop off just a few meters away, this has provided the keen swimmers in the fleet some thrilling underwater experiences.
Keeping above water, nature tours provided an interesting insight into life on the island. Taking a drive around the island there are many beautiful small sandy coves lined with ancient limestone rocks imbedded with fossils. As you walk through lush forestation, to reach the shores and cliffs, there are some magnificent fig trees which almost don’t look real. The tour includes a visit to the southern part of the island where quite a show awaits! Jagged limestone pinnacles jut out to sea and over time holes have eroded creating impressive blowholes. As the waves thunder into the coastline the air is pushed through the rocks creating a deep rumbling noise followed by a fountain of sea spray. The island is a great showcase for just how special nature can be.
During the fleet’s stay in Christmas Island, the locals have been excited to see so many boats in Flying Fish Cove. It is with thanks to so many of the islanders for providing lifts up and down the road, taking in laundry and generally being so very welcoming. The doors of both the Post Office and Visitors Centre were open to all participants and their knowledge and assistance with all sorts of requests and questions was greatly appreciated. It is however, special thanks to Lisa Preston and her team at Indian Ocean Experiences for supporting the rally once again. Lisa has been working with World Cruising Club since the World ARC rally began in 2008 and she knows just how to host a BBQ. Not only did she provide participants with a delicious spread she was also managing the nature tours. Thank you Lisa for your hard work enabling crews to experience the best of the islands hospitality.
Additionally, it is thanks to Dave at Extra Divers who provided his expertise of the waters around the coat. Being dedicated to promoting tourism on the island, it is thanks to him for all his efforts to accommodate those last minute bookings from the fleet.
And finally, our thanks to the Australian Boarder Force, Bio Security and the Harbour Master. They are the fist people to welcome each skipper and their crew to the island. Covering formalities efficiently and swiftly, they provided full support and knowledge of the island and all the immediate facilities. Thank you so much for working so closely with the yellow shirts and for providing your guidance and friendship throughout the fleets time on island.
All 21 boats in the fleet will gather in the anchorage off Direction Island in Cocos Keeling by the end of the week. With a route of 525 NM from Christmas Island to Coco Keeling, some of the faster boats in group one have already arrived with the final boats arriving by Friday. More adventures lay ahead as the fleet makes their way further across the Indian Ocean.