19 boats of the World ARC fleet sailed from Musket Cove, Fiji to Port Resolution on the island of Tanna in Vanuatu. The first yachts in fleet had a slow passage but the rest of the fleet had stronger winds particularly on the second part.
Port Resolution is not an official port of entry into Vanuatu yet but World Cruising Club managed to provide clearances right here at the Port Resolution Yacht Club
Customs officials travel across the island from Lenakel to meet the fleet and clear them in on arrival. All of the officials from Vanuatu Customs, Immigration and Quarantine are super friendly and enjoy working with the yachts and World ARC.
Port Resolution is a community of 6 local villages in an impossibly remote location. Tanna is a small island in southern Vanuatu and by land Port Resolution is a 2.5 hour slow trip by 4WD across the island on some very bumpy tracks. World ARC have now been coming to Port Resolution since 2008 and over that time have built a strong relationship with the community here and in particular the Port Resolution Yacht Club.
After clearances a tour was arranged for the fleet to visit what is known locally as a Kastom Village for a presentation of traditional song and dance in traditional costume - a fantastic display of the local culture.
After the Kastom Village the fleet headed to the visit of Mt Yasur volcano
Crews climb the volcano at sunset and stay until after dark, the volcano is very active and it is spectacular to watch the molten lava explode out of the mouth of the volcano and hear the explosions.
It’s a rare privilege for the fleet to be so warmly welcomed into such a remote community, the happy faces of those we’ve met and the warm memories will surely stay with us for life.