Life on the Indian Ocean for the World ARC fleet

by World Cruising Club on 8 Oct 2014 Since leaving the paradise of the Cocos (Keeling) Islands exactly one week ago, the World ARC fleet have made good progress towards their next destination of Port Louis, located on the western coast of Mauritius. Awaiting the fleet is a beautiful island with its blend of diverse cultures and religions including Hindus, Creole, Chinese, Muslims and Europeans.

Over the last week, a mixture of weather including high wind squalls and torrential rain accompanied by a big swell have kept crews busy.

'Several days of 30 knot winds coming and going have given us some 10 knot plus speeds! What a great ride! It’s a pity about the weather, we have been sailing through lots of torrential rain squalls and apart from the odd blue patch it’s been grey skies since we left Cocos Keeling.' – Charlie, Cathy and Peter on Celebrate

Sailing across an ocean may seem a solitary experience however with World ARC is quite the opposite. The daily SSB radio nets allow the fleet to communicate with each other despite being hundreds of miles apart. The obvious benefit of this is the added safety feature it brings to an ocean crossing however this aside, it can also be used for entertainment. SSB games/competitions of story writing having to include all World ARC boat names, SSB margarita party (non-alcoholic) and playing battleships with other boats are just some of the things the fleet are filling their time with whilst at sea. Follow the fleets entertaining blogs here.

'After the net I continued to play Battleship with Polaris. We get one hit; they get none. Because of reception problems, I need a relay to hear their moves.' Brian Fox on American Spirit II

The support of your fellow sailors at sea is paramount when problems occur. Yesterday, the forestay on yacht American Spirit II broke. All crew are well on board and with the help and advice of the fleet, additions have been made to strengthen the rig for the remainder of their passage. Yachts including Merlyn of Poole and Folie a Deux have altered their course to offer assistance if needed including extra tools, fuel or just being there for support.

Expecting the first arrivals in Port Louis this weekend, crews can look forward to a full service marina, shopping centres and a beautiful island to World Cruising Club