World ARC

Skipper: Thomas Darholm, 1150 NM

In this trip you will experience the tropical paradise of Vanuatu in the heart of the south Pacific, blue water sailing on the passage to Mackay, Australia and the wonders of the eastern part of the Great Barrier Reef.

The crew meets on July 14th in Vanuatu on the island of Efate, with the harbour located in the city of Port Vila. With an opportunity to familiarize yourself with Celeste of Solent, a Farr 65, with each other, and with the other crews participating in the rally.

Port Vila is located around a magnificent natural harbour offering stunning views of Iririki and Ifira islands. The waterfront area is so unpolluted visitors can look down from the seawall and see live corals and tropical fish. Port Vila is the capital and largest city of Vanuatu. It is a relatively small city with a population of about 50,000. It is a cosmopolitan city with residents from various ethnic backgrounds, including ni-Vanuatu (the country’s indigenous people), French, Australian, Chinese, and other immigrant groups.

The island of Efate is one of the larger islands in Vanuatu and the most populated. The island has varied terrain, with both high mountains, rainforests, and coastal areas. There are several villages where we can experience traditional Vanuatu culture, as well as many beaches and coral reefs. The island’s road network is relatively simple, with a road that circles the entire island, making it possible to explore many of its scenic spots.

The sail towards Mackay starts on July 17th. The days leading up to departure will be spent on preparations and exploring Port Vila and Efate. WARC will also organize a gathering for all crews before the start. Before we depart we will do the route planning and have a thorough safety briefing. This is a relatively long ocean passage which is estimated to take approx. 7 days, covering 1150 NM.

We will have plenty of time to get into the routines of offshore sailing. As a crew member onboard Celeste you become part of the team, taking turns steering, navigating, trimming, etc., and we also take turns with other onboard duties like cooking. We will divide into three watch teams with 3 hours on duty and 6 hours off.

The waters around Vanuatu are rich in wildlife, and humpback whales usually arrive in the area this time of year. The whales mate in the waters around the islands. The humpback whale is known for its breaching and its song.

The last stretch before arriving in Mackay takes us through the eastern part of the Great Barrier Reef. Perhaps we will have time to stop and snorkel on the reef. On arrival in Mackay, we will dock at the Marina, which features restaurants and cafés. The city is located in the state of Queensland and offers a mix of industrial and natural beauty, with its coastal location making it a popular destination for nature lovers and adventure travellers.

Queensland’s coastline is one of Australia’s most spectacular and varied, known for its incredible natural beauty and biodiversity. It is home to some of the world’s most iconic sites, such as the Great Barrier Reef, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The reef is the world’s largest coral reef system, stretching over 2,300 km along the coast of Queensland. It is home to thousands of marine species, including colourful corals, fish, turtles, and sharks. It is a popular destination for snorkelling, diving, and marine research. Queensland’s coast offers an unparalleled combination of tropical adventure, untouched nature, and marine life that we will have the opportunity to experience.

Skipper: Mats Eriksson,1480 NM

Get ready to set sail on an unforgettable adventure from Mackay to Darwin, where the journey is just as thrilling as the destination!

The voyage begins in Mackay, Queensland—a laid-back coastal town known for its sugarcane fields, stunning beaches, and a marina that’s ready to send you off on your epic journey. Joining on board Celeste on August 2nd allows for crew to get to know each other and to explore Mackay. Once Celeste is prepared and there has been a thorough safety briefing, we set sail and catch the trade winds, leaving the bustling east coast behind, trading it for the vast, open waters of the Coral Sea.

We will sail past the Whitsunday Islands, where turquoise waters and vibrant coral reefs create a sailor’s paradise. We will keep our eyes peeled for dolphins playing in our wake or humpback whales breaching in the distance; the wildlife in this part of the world is nothing short of spectacular. Dropping anchor in one of the sheltered coves allows crew to take a dip in the crystal-clear water or explore the islands’ secluded beaches.

As we sail northward, the landscape begins to change. The Great Barrier Reef slips away, replaced by the wild and rugged beauty of Cape York Peninsula. This is true adventurer territory—where dense rainforests meet red, rocky cliffs, and the sea teems with life. The fishing here is world-class, so we will probably throw a line overboard and see what we can catch for dinner? The culture is a fascinating mix of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, and the local communities have rich traditions dating back tens of thousands of years.

Rounding the tip of Australia, we will sail into the Arafura Sea, where the tropical heat intensifies and the waters deepen to a rich sapphire blue. We are now on the home stretch to Darwin, but there are still plenty of adventures to be had. We might consider a detour to the Tiwi Islands, where we can experience the unique culture and warm hospitality of the Tiwi people. Or, if we are in the mood for some serious fishing, the waters here are famous for their barramundi and sailfish.

Finally, we will make our approach to Darwin, the capital of Australia’s Northern Territory. This vibrant, multicultural city is a melting pot of cultures, with a rich history and a laid-back vibe that makes it the perfect place to end our journey.
We will dock at the Darwin Marina and swap stories with fellow sailors of the World ARC.

From the pristine waters of the Whitsundays to the wild frontier of the Northern Territory, this sailing trip is one for the books. Prepare for the adventure of a lifetime as you sail from Mackay to Darwin!

Skipper: Mats Eriksson, 920 NM

Embarking on a sailing journey from Darwin to Lombok is like setting off on a grand adventure across the tropics – where every mile sailed brings new sights, sounds, and experiences.

The voyage begins in Darwin, the laid-back capital of Australia’s Northern Territory. With its rich history, multicultural vibe, and endless sunshine, Darwin is the perfect starting point for this tropical odyssey. Once Celeste is prepared with provisioning for the passage and a thorough safety briefing we set sail into the Timor Sea, and leave the rugged Australian coast behind and trade it for the open waters of the Indian Ocean.

As a crew member on board Celeste of Solent, you become part of the team and are involved in everything from steering and navigating to cooking and taking care of the boat. On the longer passages, we sail in watch teams where you are on watch for three hours and off watch for six hours.

If we are lucky, we might spot dolphins playing alongside the boat or a sea turtle. The fishing here is legendary. After a few days at sea, the landscape begins to change as we approach the Indonesian archipelago. Continuing our journey, we will navigate through the narrow straits and island-dotted waters of eastern Indonesia. We will sail past lush volcanic islands, traditional fishing villages, and untouched stretches of coastline. The sight of the Rote Islands on the horizon – emerald-green hills rising from the sea, surrounded by turquoise waters. These islands are off the beaten path, offering secluded beaches and snorkelling spots with coral reefs teeming with life.

Finally, as we sail into the Lombok Strait, the towering silhouette of Mount Rinjani comes into view. Lombok is Bali’s quieter, more serene neighbour, known for its stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters, and rich culture. The island’s coastline is dotted with charming harbours and tranquil bays. There will also be time to explore the lush interior, hike to hidden waterfalls, or simply relax on the pristine sands and share experiences with the other World ARC sailors. Arriving in Lombok feels like a triumph—we have just completed an incredible journey across one of the most beautiful and diverse regions on the planet.

Skipper: Mats Eriksson, 1150 NM

This leg of the World ARC consists of two blue-water sailing passages and exploration of exotic paradise islands in the Indian Ocean.
 
The adventure begins in Lombok with crew arriving on board on September 19. This provides a chance to familiarize yourself with Celeste as well as an opportunity to get to know your fellow crew members. There will also be time to explore Lombok and participate in social activities with the crews of the other boats participating in the World ARC.

Once Celeste is prepared with provisioning for the passage completed and a thorough safety briefing the leg starts with a departure past the towering peaks of Mount Rinjani and a course set westward. As we sail away from Lombok, the islands of Indonesia will slowly fade into the distance, to be replaced by the deep blues of the open ocean.

We will quickly settle into our sailing routines, and the watch shifts begin. You will be on watch for three hours and off watch for six hours. The responsible watch team handles steering, trimming, and navigation. As a crew member on board Celeste of Solent, you become part of the team and are involved in everything from steering and navigating to cooking and taking care of the boat.

The Indian Ocean is known for its rich marine life, so keep your eyes peeled for playful dolphins, curious sea turtles, and maybe even the majestic sight of a whale breaching in the distance. After days of open water, Christmas Island will appear on the horizon. Christmas Island is an Australian outpost in the Indian Ocean, approximately 190 NM south of Java and Sumatra, and 840 NM northwest of mainland Australia. The island is packed with an abundance of extraordinary nature both on land and under the water and only about 2000 inhabitants.

After a few days exploring Christmas island and participating in social activities with the crew from the other boats we will set sails for another paradise – Cocos Keeling.
It consists of two atolls made up of 27 coral islands, of which only two – West Island and Home Island – are inhabited. The population of around 600 people consists mainly of Cocos Malays.

Cocos Keeling are almost untouched, offering some of the most pristine and secluded beaches in the world. The waters here are teeming with life—perfect for snorkelling or diving among colourful coral reefs that are home to schools of tropical fish, rays, and even the occasional reef shark. The atoll’s lagoons are calm and warm, ideal for a lazy swim or just floating under the sun. Take the dinghy to explore the smaller islands, where you can discover hidden coves, coconut groves.

This sailing route is more than just reaching a destination. It’s about the thrill of the open sea, the serenity of being surrounded by nothing but the sea, and the discovery of a remote paradise that few have the privilege to experience. From the rugged beauty of Lombok, to the abundance of extraordinary nature at Christmas Island and the untouched splendour in Cocos Keeling, this sailing trip is an adventure that will stay with you long after the journey ends.

Skipper: Mats Eriksson, 2350 NM

This adventure kicks off in the remote paradise of Cocos Keeling and ends up in another paradise – Mauritius – east of Madagascar. An opportunity to explore both a unique atoll and the cultural blend of tropical Mauritius. In between the crossing of the Indian Ocean and you will be 2350 NM richer.

The adventure begins in Cocos Keeling. Crew gather on board on the 4th of October to familiarize themselves with Celeste and to get to know one another. There will be time to explore Cocos Keeling and participate in social activities with the crew of the other boats participating in the World ARC.

Cocos Keeling consists of two atolls made up of 27 coral islands, of which only two – West Island and Home Island – are inhabited. The population of around 600 people consists mainly of Cocos Malays. Mostly untouched these islands offering some of the most pristine and secluded beaches in the world. The waters here are teeming with life—perfect for snorkelling or diving among colourful coral reefs that are home to schools of tropical fish, rays, and even the occasional reef shark. The atoll’s lagoons are calm and warm. Celeste will be prepared with provisioning for the passage and after a thorough safety briefing will depart for the start of the rally leg on October 6; leaving the atoll’s lagoons behind and heading into open seas.

We quickly settle into our sailing routines, and the watch shifts begin. You will be on watch for three hours and off watch for six hours. The responsible watch team handles steering, trimming, and navigation. As a crew member on board Celeste of Solent, you become part of the team and are involved in everything from steering and navigating to cooking and taking care of the boat.

The Indian Ocean is known for its steady trade winds, making for smooth and exhilarating sailing. The marine life is rich. Dolphins will most probably often play in the bow waves. We might have sea turtles, and maybe even the majestic sight of a whales. The fishing here is world-class.

Since Celeste is a performance yacht we will probably sight land earlier than most other boats participating in the World ARC. After 14-16 days of open ocean, the volcanic peaks of Mauritius will start to rise on the horizon.

As we approach, we will be greeted by emerald-green mountains, white sandy beaches, and the inviting turquoise waters of Mauritius famous lagoons. Mauritius is famous for its white beaches, but there is more to explore – snorkelling the coral reefs, hiking up the dramatic Le Morne Brabant or trekking through the lush interior to discover waterfalls and botanical gardens.

Mauritius is a blend of cultures, and its diverse heritage is reflected in everything from the delicious food to the colourful festivals. Native languages are English, French, Mauritian Creole, Hindi, Mandarin, Hakka, and Bhojpuri. English is the official language, but it is spoken by less than one percent of the population. Approximately half of the population is Hindu, one-third is Christian, and one-sixth is Muslim.

As other yachts begin to arrive there will be social activities and time to share experiences from the crossing of the Indian Ocean.

Skipper: Mats Eriksson, 1500 NM

This sailing adventure is divided in two rally legs, the first one from Mauritius to the Réunion Island and the second rally leg goes to Richards Bay in South Africa.

We gather on board in Mauritius on the 26th of October, familiarize ourselves with Celeste and get to know each other. There will also be social activities with the crew of the other boats participating in the World ARC. Celeste will be prepared for the leg with provisioning and after a thorough safety briefing will depart for the start of the first rally leg on October 28.

As we set sail, we will leave the island’s lush mountains, sugarcane fields, and turquoise lagoons behind heading westward across the Indian Ocean. The passage is 130 NM and will take about a day before the majestic outline of Réunion Island starts to appear on the horizon—a dramatic, volcanic island that promises both beauty and adventure.

As we approach the Réunion Island the rugged, green-clad peaks of the Piton des Neiges and Piton de la Fournaise rise dramatically from the ocean, creating a stunning backdrop for our arrival. We will dock in the port of Saint-Denis, where French Creole culture blends with the island’s wild, natural beauty.
There is plenty to explore. Hike through lush rainforests to discover cascading waterfalls, or drive up to the rim of the active volcano, Piton de la Fournaise, for an unforgettable view of its landscape. The island’s is a blend of French, Indian, and African influences makes for an exciting culinary scene, so visit a Creole cuisine is a must.

The second leg is 1370 NM and will start November 5th. It will be several days at sea as we head south east towards wild cost of South Africa. We quickly settle into our sailing routines, and the watch shifts begin. You will be on watch for three hours and off watch for six hours. The responsible watch team handles steering, trimming, and navigation. As a crew member on board Celeste of Solent, you become part of the team and are involved in everything from steering and navigating to cooking and taking care of the boat.

The Indian Ocean is known for its steady trade winds, making for smooth and exhilarating sailing. This leg of the journey is all about embracing the open ocean, as we cross the vast expanse of the Indian Ocean. The endless horizon will fill you with a sense of freedom that only the open sea can provide. We will keep our eyes peeled for marine life as we sail—this stretch of ocean is teeming with life, from pods of dolphins playing in the bow to the occasional sight of a whale breaching in the distance.

The Indian Ocean’s rich, deep blue waters will keep you mesmerized as the days at sea pass by in a blur of sunrises, sunsets, and starlit nights. Since Celeste is a performance yacht we will probably sight land earlier than most other boats participating in the World ARC. After 8-10 days of open ocean, the South African coast start to rise on the horizon.

Nestled on the north-eastern coast, Richards Bay is the gateway to the wild wonders of KwaZulu-Natal. As we sail into the bay, we’ll be greeted by the sight of lush wetlands, sandy beaches, and a bustling harbour that buzzes with energy. Once docked, Richards Bay offers a blend of nature and adventure. Explore the nearby Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park, one of Africa’s oldest game reserves, where you can embark on a safari to spot the Big Five in their natural habitat. The warm waters off the coast are also perfect for diving, and surfing.

This sailing adventure is more than just an ocean passage - it’s an exploration of some of the Indian Ocean’s most captivating destinations. From the volcanic landscapes of Réunion to the wild coast of South Africa, this voyage is sure to leave you with memories that will last a lifetime.

Get ready for an epic journey across the Indian Ocean—this is sailing at its finest!
 

Skipper: Svante Jacobsson, 930 NM

This leg is an independent cruising segment of the World ARC, offering both adventure and the experience of South Africa’s scenic coastlines and vibrant culture. This journey offers an incredible mix of exciting, challenging sailing and the chance to explore the best of South Africa. We’ll round Cape Agulhas and the iconic Cape of Good Hope, concluding with a few days in Cape Town. The Cape of Good Hope is one of the legendary Four Capes that all sailors aspire to conquer.

The leg begins in Richards Bay, a large port on South Africa’s east coast, where the Mhlatuze River meets the Indian Ocean. We’ll have a few days to explore Richards Bay while preparing the boat for the 930-nautical-mile voyage to Cape Town. We will have a thorough safety briefing before we depart.

The first segment takes us to Durban, where we’ll set sail early to reach the port before sunset. After a few days in Durban, we’ll continue down the coast, planning stops at East London, Port Elizabeth, Knysna, and Simon’s Town. Depending on weather conditions, the exact itinerary and ports may vary, with each segment ranging from 50 to 250 nautical miles, typically taking 1-2 days. At each stop, we plan to spend ample time exploring local attractions. South Africa’s weather patterns are unpredictable, which may affect the length of our stay at each port. Even in summer, we’ll need to watch weather systems closely and navigate the powerful south-westerly Agulhas current as we travel along the coast.

A highlight of this journey is rounding Cape Agulhas and the Cape of Good Hope – an unforgettable accomplishment. Approaching Cape Town, you’ll experience the dramatic scenery of beaches and mountainous landscapes, including the iconic Table Mountain.

Planned stops along the route include:
Durban– South Africa’s “Surf City” and year-round playground, famous for its warm weather, beautiful surfing beaches, and vibrant waterfront from Durban Harbour to Umhlanga.
East London– Formerly Port Rex, featuring stunning beaches like Nahoon Beach, Hemingways Mall, and the scenic Nahoon Nature Reserve.
Port Elizabeth– Known for its beautiful beaches, unique museums, renowned wildlife destinations, and welcoming locals. Aptly called the “Friendly City.”
Knysn – One of the Garden Route’s most popular spots, famous for oysters and seahorses, located on a glistening lagoon between the Outeniqua Mountains and the Indian Ocean. This destination is weather-dependent.
Other alternative stops may include Mossel Bay, Hout Bay, or Pringle Bay.

We aim to arrive in Cape Town with enough time to spend 3-4 days exploring the city and surrounding areas. There will be opportunities for a wine tour or a hike up Table Mountain. We depart Celeste in time for the Christmas holiday.

.Skipper: Svante Jacobsson,  3,890 NM

This voyage combines two “rally” legs of the World ARC and is the longest in both time spent onboard and distance sailed. In this context, ”rally” refers to a sailing race—but in a relaxed and friendly manner.

Crew arrive aboard Celeste of Solent on January 5th and once everyone is on board, there will be a crew meeting to plan for the weeks ahead. We will have a few days before the start to prepare the boat, stock up on provisions, and get to know each other—as well as Celeste.

Exploring Cape Town
Before the race starts, we will have time to explore what Cape Town has to offer. The city’s history dates back to 1652 (and even earlier), when it became a vital supply station for ships sailing to India and the Far East. A visit to Table Mountain National Park is a must, and other highlights include Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for 18 of his 27 years behind bars. In recent years, Cape Town has been named one of the best places to visit by both The New York Times and The Daily Telegraph—and for good reason.

Leg 1 : Cape Town to Walvis Bay, Nambia
Our goal? To be the first boat to arrive in Walvis Bay and claim “Line Honours.”
Even though it’s a race, there will be plenty of time to relax, enjoy the southern Atlantic summer, and maybe even catch a fish or two for dinner.

On January 9th, we depart early and head to the starting area. We will arrive well in advance to plan our strategy, hoist the sails, and ensure that everyone is confident in their positions. As soon as we set off, we will begin our watch rotations. Each crew member will take part in a watch team, responsible for navigation, steering, lookout, and sail trimming. After a three-hour shift, you will have six hours off for rest and sleep, help with boat duties and maybe prepare the next meal for the crew. The skipper and first mate are always on standby to support the watch teams.

Upon arrival in Walvis Bay, we will have time to experience the warm hospitality of Namibia and hopefully do some sightseeing before preparing for the next major leg.

Leg 2 : Crossing the Atlantic - Namibia - St Helena - Brazil
The second leg of this journey is the Atlantic crossing—a lifelong dream for many sailors. Why not seize the opportunity to sail across the southern Atlantic and, as a bonus, enjoy a stopover at the remote island of St Helena? We will prepare the boat for the offshore passage to St Helena and beyond.

On January 19th, we set sail in the morning and begin our journey westward. We will once again start our watch rotations. We will primarily sail downwind, using the south-easterly winds, while positioning ourselves to take advantage of the westerly currents. With favourable conditions, we hope to fly both the gennaker with a sail area of 320 m² and the spinnaker totalling 350 m². Crossing the southern Atlantic will be an unforgettable experience. At night, the sky will be illuminated with countless stars, and we will cruise at speeds of 10–12 knots.

Arrival at St Helena
As we approach St Helena, a fascinating island, located in the heart of the southern Atlantic, Celeste—being a performance yacht—will be among the first boats to arrive. Our aim, of course, is to be the very first. Celeste will anchor off Jamestown and have 4–5 days to explore this historic volcanic island. St Helena was discovered by Portuguese explorer João da Nova in 1502, but it became a British territory in 1659. The island is best known as the place where Napoleon spent his final years in exile between 1815 and 1821. St Helena receives supplies only once a month by ship and has just one weekly flight from Cape Town, making it one of the most isolated places in the world.

Leg 3: St Helena to Brazil
On January 29th, we set sail again, heading for Brazil. We will continue to ride the south-easterly winds, aiming for a fast downwind passage. This leg is longer, and after 13–14 days at sea, we expect to catch our first glimpse of the Brazilian coastline. We will cross the finish line and, as per the current itinerary, dock at Recife Marina. Arriving among the first boats, we will have ample time to explore the local surroundings and soak in the vibrant culture of Brazil.

Skipper: Johan Billström, 2500 NM

This sailing adventure is not just about the destinations, but the incredible experiences you’ll have along the way. The route is divided into two cruising legs and one rally leg.
 
Upon landing at El Salvador International Airport, make your way to the marina. Crew arrive on board Celeste on February 25th with a chance to get to know each other and familiarize yourselves with the boat. The days leading up to departure will be spent on preparations and exploring Salvador de Bahia which is a vibrant city known for its rich Afro-Brazilian culture, colonial architecture and beautiful beaches.

After route planning and a thorough safety briefing we depart and set sail along the stunning Brazilian coast. As a crew member on board Celeste of Solent, you become part of the team and are involved in everything from steering and navigating to cooking and taking care of the boat. As we will cruise north we will primarily do day sailings and stop to explore and experience as many places as weather and wind permits. The coast features a mix of rugged cliffs, sandy beaches, and small fishing villages. bordered by lush green forests and rolling hills. The coastline is dotted with coves and bays.

The Brazilian adventure wraps up in Cabedelo around March 3rd, where we will connect with fellow World Arc travellers for the 1,330 nautical mile (6-9 day) voyage to Devil’s Island. This passage starts on the 5th of March. We will divide into watch teams with 3-hour shifts. That means you will be on watch for three hours and off watch for six hours. The responsible watch team handles steering, trimming, and navigation.

While Devil’s Island may appear as a tropical paradise with its palm trees and crystal-clear waters, the island hides a dark history. Between 1852 and 1953, tens of thousands of inmates lost their lives in this notorious prison, victims of malnutrition, disease, and desperate escape attempts. Once considered the most feared prison in modern times, its haunting stories linger as we sail the four to six days journey through the Caribbean towards Grenada – an island country of the West Indies in the eastern Caribbean Sea. Grenada is the southernmost of the Windward Islands and the passage will end in the capital, St George.

Skipper: Johan Billström, 300 NM

The final leg of the World ARC will be a cruise between the islands of the southern part of the West Indies – the Grenadines. The adventure kicks off in St. George’s, the vibrant capital of Grenada and concludes in St Lucia.
 
Crew will gather on board Celeste on April 5 to familiarize themselves with the yacht and get to know each other. A few days will be spent soaking up the local atmosphere. Explore the picturesque St. George’s Harbour and Carenage Harbour, where you can admire the colourful buildings, charming Georgian architecture, and the historic Fort George, which has stood watch since the early 18th century.

Grenada, a captivating chain of islands, is steeped in history and offers a myriad of activities. Spend a day lounging at Grand Anse Beach in St. George, complemented by some exhilarating underwater diving or embark on a spice tour at Douglaston Spice Estate to delve into Grenada’s rich spice heritage. There will also be time to participate in social activities with the crews of the other boats participating in the World ARC.

Once Celeste is prepared with provisions for the cruise and a thorough safety briefing has been undertaken we depart Grenada heading north for the chain of islands in the Grenadines towards St Lucia. We will, explore the breath-taking Tobago Cays. These five uninhabited islands surround a crystal-clear lagoon, invites to snorkel and swim in their warm waters. We might encounter local turtles snorkelling the coral reef sheltering the lagoon. You can also choose to relax on one of the iconic beaches.

As we continue North we will probably visit Bequia a small island which is part of the island nation Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. It has around 5 300 inhabitants of African, Scottish and Caribbean origins. We will anchor in the sheltered Admiralty Bay of Port Elizabeth. For a taste of local culture, The Bequia Maritime Museum and Old Hegg Turtle Sanctuary provide insights into the island’s maritime heritage and conservation efforts. Hiking up to Mount Peggy rewards travellers with panoramic views. A stroll around the Belmont Walkway offers access to quaint shops, restaurants and a vibrant local scene.

Humpback whale hunting is still permitted on a small scale in the sea off Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. From Bequia, whales are caught in the traditional way with hand-held harpoons from small, open boats. The International Whaling Commission, IWC, has granted the population of Bequia a catch quota, which is rarely filled, of four humpback whales a year until the year 2025.[3] The IWC classifies whaling as aboriginal subsistence whaling (ASW).

We might also make a stop in St. Vincent. Several scenes from the ”Pirates of the Caribbean” where filmed at Wallilabou Bay where parts of the fictional town Port Royal where built. Although some of the sets have been damaged by time and weather, a few buildings and props remain, and the location now serves as a tourist attraction. St Vincent also offers opportunities to hike its lush forest trails and discover its unique flora and fauna. The island is home to the active La Soufrière volcano, which has played a significant role in its history.

As we navigate further north we will pass the west coast of St. Lucia. Here we will encounter the iconic Pitons and picturesque Marigot Bay. The Pitons are two striking volcanic peaks, Gros Piton and Petit Piton, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We might make a pit stop and climb them. It is not a walk in the park, but a fairly step hike and a local guide is recommended. Marigot Bay, famous as a backdrop for several films, also provides a stunning stop along your route.

We will conclude the journey by sailing to the northern end of Rodney Bay for the World Arc prize-giving ceremony, celebrating the end of an unforgettable adventure.