World ARC fleet embarks on leg 11, across the Indian Ocean

by World Cruising Club on 30 Sep 2014 The World ARC fleet departed the Cocos (Keeling) Islands this morning, embarking on the second longest sail of their circumnavigation; a 2350 nautical miles journey to Mauritius. Their stay in the tropical atoll has certainly been one to remember.

Anchored at Port Refuge in the turquoise waters off the uninhabited Direction Island, the fleet ensured they made it their own for the week. Nightly fires in purpose built pit and sundowners on the beach became part of the nightly routine before taking their dinghy back to their boats each evening.

'Most evenings sundowners are enjoyed on the beach of Direction Island where we compare notes on our excursions and problem solving. Often a fire is lit extending the conversation and refreshment well into the night. Last evening the sport of hermit crab racing was introduced' - Celebrate

The waters and sea life available to the crews meant most days were filled with snorkelling or diving in the popular ‘rip’, an area where the sea life of Cocos is particularly good. Customary to visiting yachts, many rightly left their mark on Direction Island on one of the many palm trees decorated with boat messages. Telling the story of World ARC, many of the yachts who participated in the 2010 and 2012 rallies still had their yacht names and message hanging proudly.

With help from the Cocos CoOp, crews pre-ordered fresh fruits and vegetables which were flown in for the fleet. Stocks onboard replenished and at least a week of favourable winds ahead, the skippers briefing and barbeque on Direction Island was a fitting way say farewell to the rally’s time in Cocos.

The BBQ was provided by Cocos Tropical Foods who rose well to the challenge of ‘outside catering’ on a deserted island. All food and equipment was brought over from West Island and all rubbish removed at the end. Thank you to Tony and his crew for some great food and especially for the lovely deserts.

This morning, the start of leg 11 was a wet one. The tropical downpours experienced over the last week continued as the fleet sailed across the line, marked by an orange buoy and the committee vessel supplied by the Australian Federal Police. Winds of 15-20 knots made for an exciting start as all approached the line under white sails. First across the line was Festina Lente, closely followed by Saphir and the remainder of the fleet, before being engulfed in another downpour.

'Soon the Cocos Islands will be one more jewel in the crown of our circumnavigation memory' – Free and BrEasy

Such a successful World ARC visit to Cocos (keeling) would not be possible without the support of many organisations and individuals who have contributed to the planning and delivery of the stopover. On behalf of all the crews, World Cruising would like to thank everyone involved in supporting the visit including Cocos Keeling Islands Tourism Association, the Visitors and Resources Centres (especially Kerenda), all at the Australian Federal Police, Shane and CKI Ports, Cocos Islands Cooperative for our pre-ordered groceries, Dory's Café, Bob at the Shire for the fuel arrangements, Tony Lacy and Cocos Tropical Foods for the BBQ on DI, José, and everyone else who went out of their way to make the fleet feel welcome. Cocos is a small place but with a big heart.

As the fleet make their way across the Indian Ocean, they have the attraction of Mauritius to look forward to where expected arrivals will be in approximately two weeks.

Follow their progress here.