Arriving in French Polynesia almost two months ago, the World ARC fleet have enjoyed cruising around the islands with their turquoise lagoons and surrounding coral reefs. Saturday,14 May, marked the end for Group 1 of their time in the Society Islands, whilst Group 2 of World ARC departed on Monday 16 May on their next adventure to Tonga via the remote atoll of Suwarrow (Cook Islands) and the world’s largest uplifted coral, Niue.
The past week has been chance for crews to rendezvous in the town of Uturoa on the northeast coast of Raiatea and the Farewell dinner with live music gave the fleet chance to share stories of their experiences over the last few weeks sailing. The dinner also gave the opportunity to say farewell to Do Over, Waterman, and Nina and wish them good luck with their future plans. The fleet also warmly welcomed the British crew on Pentagram, a Oyster 41 who has joined the fleet in Raiatea after starting their circumnavigation with World ARC 2015.
Before departure, crews assembled for a skipper’s briefing providing details of the next sail to Tonga, and sharing information on Suwarrow and Niue which they will visit en-route with a full social programme awaiting them.
Unfortunately heavy rain and exceptionally light winds clouded the first start, but picture postcard sunshine returned together with a 5-8knt easterly breeze when the second group departed.
The first arrivals are expected to reach Niue on approximately 26 May, and will be reunited with boats in the fleet sailing from other ports in the Society Islands. Follow their progress on the Fleet Tracker