World ARC Legs 14-15 – Fiji to Vanuatu

**Skipper: Thomas Darholm, 660 NM**

**Blue water sailing in the Pacific and cruising in the tropical paradise of Vanuatu.**
This sailing adventure will offer offer both blue water sailing and cruising among paradise islands. The route is divided into one rally leg from Fiji to Vanuatu and cruising the archipelago of Vanuatu.

You will meet your fellow crew members in Musket Cove on Fiji on June 29th with an opportunity to get to know your boat, _Celeste of Solent_, a Farr 65R, and each other. Musket Cove Island Resort & Marina is one of the more well-known resorts in Fiji, located on Malolo Lailai Island in the Mamanuca group of islands. It is a popular destination, especially among sailors. The island is surrounded by crystal-clear water, coral reefs, and white sand. The area offers a classic image of a tropical paradise.

You will have a chance to explore the surroundings, enjoy this paradise island, and meet other participants in the rally. On July 1st, WARC will organize a gathering for all crews, which we all crews attend. Celeste will then prepare for the start of the next 450 NM leg on July 4th to Port Resolution on Tanna. This will be an ocean sailing journey lasting about 3 days, giving plenty of time to settle into the routines of offshore sailing. Before departure there will be route planning and a thorough safety briefing.

As a crew member onboard Celeste you will become part of the team, taking turns steering, navigating, trimming, etc., and we also take turns with other onboard duties like cooking. The crew is divided into three watch teams with 3-hour shifts. This means you will be on watch, with sailing duties, for three hours and off watch, with a chance to relax, rest and get involved with non-sailing duties for six hours.

The waters around Fiji and Vanuatu are rich in wildlife. Humpback whales usually arrive in the area in June for mating. The humpback whale is known for its breaching and song. Celeste will dock at Port Resolution, a small village and harbour located on the island of Tanna in Vanuatu, in the southern Pacific Ocean. It is situated in a sheltered bay on the south-eastern side of the island and is best known for its scenic beauty and proximity to Mount Yasur; one of the world’s most active volcanoes and one of the biggest attractions in the area. The volcano is relatively accessible, allowing visitors to get close to the crater and experience its activity up close.

Port Resolution is surrounded by spectacular landscapes with beaches, cliffs, hot springs, and rainforests. The bay has calm waters, making it a popular spot for boats and sailors to anchor. The harbour was named by British explorer James Cook, who anchored here during his voyage in 1774. He named the harbour after his ship, HMS _Resolution_.

The villages around Port Resolution, including the village itself, offer a glimpse into the traditional life that many of Tanna’s inhabitants lead. Here, visitors can meet the local people and gain insight into their lifestyle, which often revolves around farming, fishing, and traditional ceremonies.

The next passage up to Port Vila is a cruising leg, and so the start of this leg, which route to sail, and any potential stops along the way can be decided by Celeste. Port Vila is the capital and largest city of Vanuatu. It is a relatively small and cosmopolitan city with a population of about 50,000; with residents from various ethnicities, including ni-Vanuatu (the country’s indigenous people), French, Australian, Chinese, and other immigrant groups.
The island of Efate, where the city is located, is one of the larger islands in Vanuatu and the most populated. The island has varied terrain, with both high mountains, rainforests, and coastal areas. There are several villages where one can experience traditional Vanuatu culture, as well as many beaches and coral reefs that attract visitors. The island’s road network is relatively simple, with one road circling the entire island, making it possible to explore many of its scenic spots.