World ARC Legs 21-22 – Mauritius to South Africa via Réunion

**Skipper: Mats Eriksson, **1500 NM

This sailing adventure is divided in two rally legs, the first one from Mauritius to the Réunion Island and the second rally leg goes to Richards Bay in South Africa.

We gather on board in Mauritius on the 26th of October, familiarize ourselves with Celeste and get to know each other. There will also be social activities with the crew of the other boats participating in the World ARC. Celeste will be prepared for the leg with provisioning and after a thorough safety briefing will depart for the start of the first rally leg on October 28.

As we set sail, we will leave the island’s lush mountains, sugarcane fields, and turquoise lagoons behind heading westward across the Indian Ocean. The passage is 130 NM and will take about a day before the majestic outline of Réunion Island starts to appear on the horizon—a dramatic, volcanic island that promises both beauty and adventure.

As we approach the Réunion Island the rugged, green-clad peaks of the Piton des Neiges and Piton de la Fournaise rise dramatically from the ocean, creating a stunning backdrop for our arrival. We will dock in the port of Saint-Denis, where French Creole culture blends with the island’s wild, natural beauty.
There is plenty to explore. Hike through lush rainforests to discover cascading waterfalls, or drive up to the rim of the active volcano, Piton de la Fournaise, for an unforgettable view of its landscape. The island’s is a blend of French, Indian, and African influences makes for an exciting culinary scene, so visit a Creole cuisine is a must.

The second leg is 1370 NM and will start November 5th. It will be several days at sea as we head south east towards wild cost of South Africa. We quickly settle into our sailing routines, and the watch shifts begin. 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.

The Indian Ocean is known for its steady trade winds, making for smooth and exhilarating sailing. This leg of the journey is all about embracing the open ocean, as we cross the vast expanse of the Indian Ocean. The endless horizon will fill you with a sense of freedom that only the open sea can provide. We will keep our eyes peeled for marine life as we sail—this stretch of ocean is teeming with life, from pods of dolphins playing in the bow to the occasional sight of a whale breaching in the distance.

The Indian Ocean’s rich, deep blue waters will keep you mesmerized as the days at sea pass by in a blur of sunrises, sunsets, and starlit nights. Since Celeste is a performance yacht we will probably sight land earlier than most other boats participating in the World ARC. After 8-10 days of open ocean, the South African coast start to rise on the horizon.

Nestled on the north-eastern coast, Richards Bay is the gateway to the wild wonders of KwaZulu-Natal. As we sail into the bay, we’ll be greeted by the sight of lush wetlands, sandy beaches, and a bustling harbour that buzzes with energy. Once docked, Richards Bay offers a blend of nature and adventure. Explore the nearby Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park, one of Africa’s oldest game reserves, where you can embark on a safari to spot the Big Five in their natural habitat. The warm waters off the coast are also perfect for diving, and surfing.

This sailing adventure is more than just an ocean passage - it’s an exploration of some of the Indian Ocean’s most captivating destinations. From the volcanic landscapes of Réunion to the wild coast of South Africa, this voyage is sure to leave you with memories that will last a lifetime.

Get ready for an epic journey across the Indian Ocean—this is sailing at its finest!
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