Nuku Hiva welcomes the World ARC

by World Cruising on 31 Mar 2017 After check in procedures in Hiva Oa the world ARC fleet started to cruise the Marquesas islands toward the welcome rendezvous in NukuHiva. Check in procedures went smoothly through the local agent, Laurent, and participants were quickly able to arrange necessary supplies onshore, and get out to the neighboring islands, Tahuata and Fatu Hiva.

First contact with the local population showed the great generosity of the Polynesian people, and many boats reported spontaneous dinners ashore, or were laden with local fruit. Also joining the fleet in Hiva Oa were Cameron and Cibele, two long term cruisers and residents of Polynesia, who will be accompanying the fleet until Bora Bora, sharing their local knowledge and insights. After a few days of free cruising, the fleet came together again in Tahiohae bay, Nuku Hiva for the official rendezvous, and welcome party.

The tourist board and local community prepared a warm traditional welcome. Greeted with flower leis by dancers, musicians playing ukuleles, a variety of local fruits and delicacies to taste. Workshops on traditional handicrafts, such as flower leis, and weaving. As this is the first stop in the Polynesian triangle, participants were happy to experience this introduction into a unique culture, and there were many smiles on both sides.

Later that afternoon, there was a skipper briefing prepared by Cameron and Cibele, using their extensive experience sailing in Polynesia, an in depth discussion about sailing the Tuamotus and Society islands. At sunset time, participants made their way to the party hall, where a traditional underground oven was opened, and a giant local feast prepared, followed by the prize giving ceremony, with winners receiving local wood carvings as trophies.

For the leg of Galapagos to Marquesas, the winner of Class A was Arabela. In Class B, the winner was Taistelai, followed by Skylark, and Altair in third. In the Multihull Class, Hanna came first, followed by Misto, then Exit Strategy. A special mention prize was given to Atla, for making up many sea miles, leaving Panama last, yet arriving in time for the rendevous!

After prize giving, came the highlight of the evening, the traditional dance show, complete with local history, legends, singing and large traditional drumming. World ARC members were invited to participate and learn a few local moves! A good time was had by all and a sense of having 'arrived' in Polynesia prevails throughout the fleet.

Next stop, the Tuamotus!