Vanuatu: Following Cook's Traces

World ARC 2025-26: Vanuatu

The World ARC fleet of 24 yachts made landfall in Vanuatu at Port Resolution on Tanna, just as Captain Cook did back in 1774. Sailors ancient and modern are drawn to the island by the glow of Mount Yasur's volcano, visible for many miles at night.

Mount Yasur and a Kastom Village

The glow itself was not enough, and an evening tour got the more intrepid participants up onto Mount Yasur and within a couple of metres of the volcano's crater. 

With the whiff of sulphur in the air and the whooshing, roaring sounds all around them, earth shaking, everybody looked on avidly as the bright orange fireworks of lava periodically exploded in front of their eyes.

Nerve-wracking for some, for others it’s captivating to see nature at its most ferocious.  The journey up the mountain just before sunset, with the colours spiralling in the darkness, was absolutely stunning. Also very hard to photograph! 

As the group headed up to Mount Yasur volcano, they stopped at Kastom Village where they were met by villagers in traditional dress.  No one anticipated how culturally different the outer islands of Vanuatu were, where they still hold on to very traditional values.

The sailors learned how to make fire the traditional way and danced with the villagers. With the volcano in the background, the sounds of the rumbling drums and the vibrating earth as we jumped, the whole scenery was incredibly strong, unique, and somewhat mystical.

Port Resolution Gifts

Another incredibly touching day for the World ARC rally participants was the official welcome by the villagers from Port Resolution, who presented them with grass garlands and hats made from coconut palms.  

The sailors had prepared in advance, specifically purchasing many useful items, such as clothes, bedding, stationery and schoolbooks.  They also donated pre-loved boating items such as ropes and lines, useful for so many things, not least swings for the kids!

In a moving ceremony, the sailors not only exchanged gifts with the villagers, but also exchanged songs and music.

Every year World Cruising Club supports the people of Port Resolution with a special gift. This year, Werry, the commodore of Port Resolution Yacht Club, requested a couple of gasoline-powered bush cutters and 100 metres of water pipe for the village.

The Rally Control team of Paul and Lesley were happy to help, and managed to organise the items before they left Vanuatu.

Port Vila Prize Giving

on 14 July, World ARC and the Vanuatu Department of Tourism hosted a vibrant farewell dinner for the participants at the Waterfront Restaurant and Bar in Port Vila. The celebration included live entertainment and a prize giving ceremony, recognising standout achievements among the fleet across various sailing categories.

It was an honour to spend the evening with Paul Pio, director of the Vanuatu Department of Tourism, which sponsored a number of the prizes. Paul Pio said: "It was a truly festive evening and a moment of shared celebration. We are proud to host such a significant international event, and we are delighted that the sailors have enjoyed Vanuatu’s rich cultural heritage, natural beauty, and our people’s legendary friendliness."