World ARC Legs 12-13 – Tonga to Fiji

**Skipper: **Thomas Darholm, 2350 NM

This sailing adventure is not just about the destinations, but the incredible experiences you’ll have along the way. At this stage the route is divided in one short rally leg from Tonga to Lau, Fiji and then cruising among the islands of Fiji. You can expect to cover approx. 2350 NM.

Crew gather aboard S/Y Celeste on June 5th providing an opportunity to get to know your fellow crew members and familiarize yourself with the boat. Celeste will be at anchor at the northernmost island of Vava’u in Tonga, just outside the charming town of Neiafu. The days leading up to departure for Fiji, on June 8th, will be spent with preparations onboard and exploring this beautiful South Pacific island with its sheltered bays, limestone cliffs, and underwater caves. The island is rich in Polynesian culture and traditions, and the friendly locals are deeply rooted in Polynesian heritage. The waters around Vava’u are teeming with wildlife, and humpback whales usually arrive in the area in June for their mating season.

There will also be social activities with the crews of other boats participating in the World ARC. Before departing there will be a thorough safety briefing. The leg will start with the other World ARC boats heading towards Fiji, ending in Lau. Crew will divide into three watch teams with 3-hour shifts. This means that you will be on watch for three hours and off watch for six hours. The responsible watch team handles steering, trimming, and navigation. As a crew member on board Celeste of Solent, you become part of the team and are involved in everything from steering and navigating to cooking and taking care of the boat. It will be about 2 days of ocean sailing before we dock in Fiji.

Fiji, known for its white sandy beaches, crystal-clear waters, and lush tropical landscapes, consists of over 330 islands, of which about 110 are inhabited. The two largest islands are Viti Levu and Vanua Levu, where most of the population lives. The capital, Suva, is located on Viti Levu. We will then cruise and explore the islands of Fiji; in total around 300 NM of cruising.  In these waters there is the chance to encounter humpback whales, known for their breaching and song. The country has a rich and diverse culture, a blend of native Fijian, Indian, and European influences. Traditional dances, songs, and ceremonies, such as the ”meke” (dance) and ”kava” ceremonies, are important parts of Fijian society. It will mainly be daytime cruising among the islands with their sandy beaches, stunning nature, and rich wildlife, finishing at Musket Cove.
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