After the departure from Raiatea the yachts visited the atoll of Suwarrow to anchor in its peaceful lagoon; it’s a special place, where no one lives and is only accessible by boat.
Both groups have enjoyed meeting together ashore for a Pot Luck lunch or a BBQ and snorkelling and diving during the day. Some also took it upon themselves to do their bit to protect this National Park, and collected litter and plastic from the outside shore.
The Rally departed in two groups to reduce the number of boats in the anchorage at Suwarrow and on the moorings at Niue.
Niue is made from igneous rock and has a lot of interesting coastline to visit by following any of the sea tracks from its perimeter road. Diving in several of the sea caves is also spectacular and the excellent visibility means one can spot the Niue sea snakes at quite a distance.
Niue was an unexpected haven for the World ARC yachts , unusually the sea off Niue was calmer than normal, with little swell, making landing at Alofi easy.
Without exception the participants were pleased to have stopped at Niue, remarking that the island had much more to offer than had been expected. The warmth of the welcome from the islanders was amazing and the landscape interesting.
Niue Yacht Club organised a full programme of activities, including drinks at the New Zealand High Commissioners Residence, and a local Fia Fia feast arranged by the residents of Alofi North.
It’s with some reluctance that the fleet next week leave their moorings for the short sail to Vava’u in Tonga!