After three weeks free cruising, Australia’s famed Great Barrier Reef, all 15 boats have arrived Darwin. The World ARC fleet is reunited, ready for a fantastic week of celebration and exploring the natural surrounds of the Northern Territory. As the boats approached Darwin, they first anchored in the picturesque Fannie Bay before arriving at Cullen Bay Marina Locks.
The locks allow each vessel to transfer from one water level to another which is necessary to enter the marina due to tidal movement. Early yesterday morning Altair and Zeeland entered the marina through the locks under perfect conditions, followed by Tulla Mohr. Last night at approximately 9pm, Ken and Eileen, of Aurora, made a grand entrance into Cullen Bay Marina, just in time to join the going away dock party for Martin and Helen, crew on Owl. Martin and Helen began in St. Lucia as crew and are now leaving the fleet to join, Misto (a World ARC boat taking a year out to explore New Zealand and surrounds). They will be greatly missed by all.
A warm welcome to Christoph and Alexandra on Solo as well as Thomas and Jasmin on Toujours Belle, who are re-joining the fleet in Darwin and sailing all the way to St. Lucia.
Today some crews are busy helping each other out with various boat projects as others are exploring Darwin city’s cultural center. Official program begins this evening with an “all you can eat seafood buffet” and a tour tomorrow to the Adelaide River back country.