Word ARC 2019-20 : Rendezvous in Papeete, Tahiti

World ARC 2019-20 © World Cruising

The majority of the World ARC fleet are currently moored in the City Marina located in the bustling capital of French Polynesia, Papeete.

While the fleet are safely tied up in a marina many are taking advantage of the good range of facilities and services in the area. The marina is a hive of activity with boat repairs being carried out, food stocks replenished and crews enjoying being back together as a fleet.

While the rendezvous includes 2-nights complimentary mooring in the marina, the social element is an evening's entertainment at the Town Hall.

Participants were firstly able to attend an informative talk on the Society Islands and the Tahiti Pearl Regatta, an event that coincides with the fleet sailing northwest toward Bora Bora and the start of Leg 5.

The Tahiti Pearl Regatta is now in its 16th year and a number of the fleet will be taking part in the 4 day event. Starting in Raiatea the regatta takes in the islands of Huahine and Tahaa before finishing back in Raiatea. Attracting local and international crews of all skill levels it is sure to be a memorable event even before the after race parties get under way.

Following the talk, David Allouch from Multihull Solutions, co-sponsors of the evening, gave a quick introduction to the company who are an Asia/Pacific catamaran and trimaran specialists for those looking to sell or buy a yachts in the area.

Presentations completed the evening's entertainment with an official welcome by the Uriama Dance Group who gave out flower leis to all the participants as they entered the thatched garden room in the grounds of the City Hall. Once inside, their priest blessed all the skippers and wished them a safe onward passage. Each skipper was presented with a commemorative shell to remind them of their visit to Tahiti.

With a very different style to the dancing in the Marquesas, they put on an elegant and colourful performance for the audience who, once again, were invited to participate and participate they did!

With the dancing over it was left to the World ARC team to thank the Mayor and sponsors; Multihull Solutions, Sin Tun Hing Marine, the Tourist Board and the Port Authority for all their help with this year's rally as drinks and nibbles were served. The evening was rounded up by Robin Theophilus from STH Marine who thanked everyone for coming and wished the fleet all the best for the rest of their circumnavigation.

Special thanks go to Stephanie Betz from Archipelagoes for organising a very special evening and for all her help and support throughout the fleet's adventures here in the French Polynesia.