Following a 3 to 4-day sail from Christmas Island the fleet arrived at a very different set of islands, Cocos Keeling. Being an atoll that encircles a stunning lagoon, the spectacular views are met with a "gasp" at the beauty as each boat arrives through the pass to the northeast of the coral reef. Anchoring off Direction Island, the idyllic turquoise waters provide one of the most breathtaking spots on the journey around the world.
There are just two inhabited islands on Cocos, Home Island and West Island. With just 500 living on Home Island and 150 on West Island the pace of life is considerably slower than the busy streets of Lombok or the bigger town of Darwin, both seeming a distant memory.
Cocos Keeling has an facinating history and is one of the most unique places to stay in Australia. Very few tourists visit the island, so this makes it particularly special to be able to explore the reef lined shores. During the World Cruising Club tour, it was thanks to local guide Ossie for sharing such an interesting history about Cocos Keeling. The entire fleet were captivated and fascinated to learn all about their traditions and how life has developed on these very remote islands.
The atoll was discovered by William Keeling in 1609. It was not settled until the latter part of the nineteenth century when the Clunies-Ross estate began to manage the islands. During their reign the islands were farmed for coconuts but later undersea telegraphic cables from South Africa to Australia were laid via Direction Island in 1901, enhancing communications all the way back to England. Home Island suffered badly in the second World War, but the Malay people remained strong, and in 1984 the locals on both islands voted to join Australia and they continue to be governed by them to this day.
The fleet have had the chance to relax, unwind and take in the beauty of the lagoon. With such beautiful beaches there have been a few parties and even potluck and pizza on the beach. Coming together on the sandy shores of Direction Island, World ARC crews’ creative dishes were brought ashore via dinghy, and the picnic tables situated under the coconut palms soon began to fill with Sunday lunch for everyone. Fish curry, squid in black ink, 7-layer dip and a selection of salads and many more delights were on the menu. And to show just how imaginative the fleet are, Skyelark 2, brought their pizza oven across.
During the fleet’s stay, they have been supported and welcomed by many of the Malay people on Home Island. Additionally, they have also been welcomed by the Australian Federal Police. It is thanks to Dan Williams and his officers for conducting the clearances formalities and for taking time out of their busy day to assist the yellow shirts on the start line.
Today the fleet upped-anchor and left the crystal-clear lagoon waters behind them for new adventures ahead. Their next stop is some 2,350NM away which will see the fleet arrive into Port Louis in Mauritius where an exciting programme of events awaits them. The first of the fleet is expected to make landfall in approximately 12 days.
Thank you Cocos Keeling for having the World ARC fleet to stay once again. Everyone leaves banking magical memories of life in paradise.
