World ARC Leg 16 – Vanuata to Mackay, Australia

Skipper: Thomas Darholm, 1150 NM

In this trip you will experience the tropical paradise of Vanuatu in the heart of the south Pacific, blue water sailing on the passage to Mackay, Australia and the wonders of the eastern part of the Great Barrier Reef.

The crew meets on July 14th in Vanuatu on the island of Efate, with the harbour located in the city of Port Vila. With an opportunity to familiarize yourself with _Celeste of Solent_, a Farr 65, with each other, and with the other crews participating in the rally.

Port Vila is located around a magnificent natural harbour offering stunning views of Iririki and Ifira islands. The waterfront area is so unpolluted visitors can look down from the seawall and see live corals and tropical fish. Port Vila is the capital and largest city of Vanuatu. It is a relatively small city with a population of about 50,000. It is a cosmopolitan city with residents from various ethnic backgrounds, including ni-Vanuatu (the country’s indigenous people), French, Australian, Chinese, and other immigrant groups.

The island of Efate 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 we can experience traditional Vanuatu culture, as well as many beaches and coral reefs. The island’s road network is relatively simple, with a road that circles the entire island, making it possible to explore many of its scenic spots.

The sail towards Mackay starts on July 17th. The days leading up to departure will be spent on preparations and exploring Port Vila and Efate. WARC will also organize a gathering for all crews before the start. Before we depart we will do the route planning and have a thorough safety briefing. This is a relatively long ocean passage which is estimated to take approx. 7 days, covering 1150 NM.

We will have plenty of time to get into the routines of offshore sailing. As a crew member onboard Celeste you become part of the team, taking turns steering, navigating, trimming, etc., and we also take turns with other onboard duties like cooking. We will divide into three watch teams with 3 hours on duty and 6 hours off.

The waters around Vanuatu are rich in wildlife, and humpback whales usually arrive in the area this time of year. The whales mate in the waters around the islands. The humpback whale is known for its breaching and its song.

The last stretch before arriving in Mackay takes us through the eastern part of the Great Barrier Reef. Perhaps we will have time to stop and snorkel on the reef. On arrival in Mackay, we will dock at the Marina, which features restaurants and cafés. The city is located in the state of Queensland and offers a mix of industrial and natural beauty, with its coastal location making it a popular destination for nature lovers and adventure travellers.

Queensland’s coastline is one of Australia’s most spectacular and varied, known for its incredible natural beauty and biodiversity. It is home to some of the world’s most iconic sites, such as the Great Barrier Reef, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The reef is the world’s largest coral reef system, stretching over 2,300 km along the coast of Queensland. It is home to thousands of marine species, including colourful corals, fish, turtles, and sharks. It is a popular destination for snorkelling, diving, and marine research. Queensland’s coast offers an unparalleled combination of tropical adventure, untouched nature, and marine life that we will have the opportunity to experience.