Tonga latest port of call for the World ARC
by World Cruising on 11 Jun 2016
Island of Vava'u - World ARC World Cruising Club
After two days at sea and the crossing of the international date line the World ARC fleet in now in the Island of Vava'u in The Kingdom of Tonga.
The yachts have been separated in two groups for the stopovers in Niue and Suwarrow but in Vava'u everyone got to see each other again.
The participants really enjoyed the atmosphere, the people is friendly and the natural environment is superb: snorkeling in the Caves is a unique experience.
After a Buffet with Tongan cuisine at Mango Cafe’ and a Welcome Party at Aquarium Cafe’ yachts have chosen to use their time to explore the many small islands and caves of Vava'u before the Skippers Briefing and Price Giving event on Tuesday evening.
The few boats arrived later in Vavau met at Basque Cafe’ for a sundowner with Pool tournament, a good chance to share stories about Niue and Suwarrow and plan the future navigation.
The price giving event was just next to the bay with a view of the many boats in the anchorage. Mango Cafe hosted the party with welcome drinks of the traditional drink Kava, and followed up by a beautiful menu with local cuisine.
The winners of the leg from Raiatea to Vava'u in Division A was Take Off who came in first with only five motoring hours on the entire trip, second and third were Meermowe and Wishanger II. In Division B, Mearra Nieida arrived first followed by Giampi second and Overseas Express ended in third position.
The evening was also a good occasion to say goodbye to some yachts and crew members that will continue on other journeys.
The following two days World Cruising Club arranged the clearance procedures with two Custom and Immigration officer at the Mango Café and duty free fuel at the wharf, eight boats left Wednesday and 11 between Thursday and Friday.
Wednesday evening the last party with buffet music and local dances at Aquarium before set off sails for the new destination.
Next stop Lau Group, Fiji.
If you want to link to this article then please use this URL: www.sailworldcruising.com/145468
