World ARC - Niue, at the edge of time!
by World Cruising Club 26 May 18:20 UTC
World ARC © World Cruising Club
Niue, UTC -11, the needle in the haystack of the South Pacific. Surrounded by nothing but ocean, the nation state of Niue is the smallest country the World ARC sailors will visit on their voyages. With an abundance of majestic submarine coral life, towering limestone cliff faces and some of the friendliest locals the fleet are set to meet on their travels - its going to be one to remember.
The World ARC fleet was split to arrive to Niue in two groups, this is due to there being a limited amount of moorings buoys - a testament to the unspoilt remoteness of the island they will be encountering.
Whilst boats from the first group started to arrive in Vava'u, the second group has arrived on Alofi's mooring field and there are now 11 boats safely tied up outside NYC (the acronym for the one and only Niue Yacht Club).
Kindly, the NYC have helped coordinate arrivals just a short trip from the wharf, which is the centre point of the main town and the landing point for dinghies. With big swells forecast, the wharf, fitted with its own crane to hoist dinghies ashore and out of any danger, is sure to add an extra layer of adventure to this short stopover.
Crews continue to explore ashore assisted with advice from the ever helpful ladies at Niue Tourism www.niueisland.com/.They have been assisting crews to books tours, dive and car hires. Tours are all run and managed by locals who, as you would expect, know the island like the back of their hand.
WCC will host an evening function for both groups, with transport set to pick up the participants from the wharf for a sundowner drink overlooking the anchorage, and then onwards to the Matavai Resort for dinner.
This group of yachts are due to depart to Tonga from Saturday morning.