World ARC 2024-25 - A marvellous Marquesan celebration
by World Cruising Club 10 Apr 20:25 NZST
With a 'Welcome to the Marquesas' event being hosted by World Cruising Club and Comité du Tourisme de Nuku-Hiva, the World ARC rally boats congregated in Taiohae Bay, on the island's southern coast.
Our 90 intrepid sailors were met on the dockside and presented with gorgeous flower leis, traditional music and dancing.
They were then invited by local craftspeople to join in with demonstrations on how to make breadfruit, bracelets, bouquet garni and garments. With delicious fresh coconut drinks available and traditional Polynesian music playing, it was a fun and joyful afternoon learning about traditional Marquesan activities.
Later in the evening, everyone gathered for more celebrations. First was the prize-giving to honour those who had done well in their cruising classes in Leg 4 of the rally, from Santa Cruz, Galapagos to Hiva Oa, Marquesas.
Fatjax, took not only line honours, but also first place after time correction in Class A, sailing 3,140 miles across the Pacific Ocean in just under 13 days, which is an impressive daily average of 241 nautical miles. In Class B, Asante was awarded first place, while Solaris took first in the Multihull Class A category.
The Pride of World ARC flag - awarded to the sailor who went the extra nautical-mile - was presented to James Carlyle from Abide for his outstanding contribution and dedication to the SSB net across the Pacific Ocean and his continuing assistance to the boats on the rally. James was ecstatic to not only receive a resounding round of applause, but also a standing ovation from his fellow rally participants.
After a sumptuous buffet, Comité du Tourisme de Nuku-Hiva laid on a spellbinding show of dance, drumming and fire eating. The traditional show was opened by Mana Haka, one of Nuku Hiva's finest groups, who took to the floor to the rhythm of the to'ere drums to give captivating dance performances, each telling a story of life.
When the rally participants were offered the chance to join in with a traditional dance, they couldn't wait! While the ladies' routine was slow and graceful, the men totally got immersed in a more athletic and masculine performance.
The show culminated with a fire eater who certainly heated up the event as he quite literally played with fire. With music and dancing continuing late into the evening, this was a party that was leaps and bounds above the others. Thank you Nuku Hiva for such a fabulous welcome to the Marquesas.