World ARC approaches French Polynesia

Hiva Oa is the most easterly Ports of Entry in the Marquesas Island group and therefore of French Polynesia as a whole. It is also one of the most windward islands of the group, making it a necessary and practical place for the World ARC fleet to make landfall in French Polynesia.

When the yachts arrive in Hiva Oa they will anchor in Taaoa Bay. A member of the World ARC staff and the World ARC yacht agent in French Polynesia will meet them. The skippers and crew will be taken to the Gendarmes office in the local town of Atuona, just above the anchorage, to complete entry formalities.

There are a few sites to visit amongst Hiva Oa’s towering and green landscape. Some crews may choose to hire a car to take a rickety ride across the island to visit the black sand beach and archaeological site at Puamau or the visit the Tiki Moe One (2m tall wood carving with human resemblance) at Hanapaaoa.

Closer to the anchorage, one can visit the Calvaire cemetery in which is buried the bodies of the French painter Paul Gauguin and the singer Jacques Brel, both who died on the island whilst living out their last years.

Having taken a few days to rest, reprovision and regroup, the crews are expected to depart on their free cruising period through the rest of the Marquesas and then through the Tuamotos group. The fleet will rendezvous in Papeete in Tahiti on the 25th April.