Ia Orana World ARC!

by World Cruising on 22 Mar 2017 The majority of the World ARC 2017 fleet are now approaching the Marquesas Islands, the landfall of Leg 4 that started on first of March in the Galapagos. This leg is the longest one of the entire circumnavigation with approximately 2980nm. Mixed weather conditions have defined this leg with very calm winds at the beginning caused by the low pressure area around the Equator, which subsequently filled in as the fleet came south from the rhumb line.

After the first days of light winds everyone has enjoyed some good trade winds that allowed the fleet to keep a good average speed. “It's the final approach, or at least that is how it feels - despite there still being 700 miles to go. That's more than a Fastnet race, a Sydney to Hobart or a lap of Ireland!' from Skyelark of London Boat Log.

Many boats celebrated halfway and '1000 miles to go' with a special dinner, others enjoyed celestial navigation and chatting on the net with each other. The first World ARC yacht to arrive in Hiva Oa into Tahauku Bay was the 60’ multihull Like a Breeze, next boats expected are Arabela, followed by Hanna, Ashia and Sumore. And soon the bay will be full!

The local Tourism Board - Comite de Tourisme - is ready to welcome participants with flower leis, fruits and a welcome pack full of information about Marquesas and French Polynesia. Everybody here in Hiva Oa is very excited and is really looking forward to meeting and welcoming participants to this idyllic, remote and most authentic part of French Polynesia!

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