Taking part in a World ARC leg is both a challenging and rewarding experience. This 1700NM leg will take you from Tahiti to Bora Bora in French Polynesia and Nieu, which is an independent island country in free association with New Zealand, to the destination of The Kingdom of Tonga.
Meeting on board Celeste on May 5th provides an opportunity for everyone to get to know one another, and explore Papeete, the gateway to adventure for sailors cruising the South Pacific. It is a vibrant city with a bustling harbour that has been a favourite among seafarers since the 1830s, and now a major hub for transpacific voyages. After French annexation in 1880, Papeete became the beating heart of French Polynesia you’re right in the middle of a cultural melting pot, with its diverse population and lively markets. There is also a chance to participate in social activities with the crews of the other boats participating in the World ARC. There will be time to familiarize yourself with Celeste, a thorough safety briefing will be conducted and preparations for the leg ahead; including provisioning before we leave for Bora Bora.
As a crew member on board Celeste of Solent, you will become part of the team and involved in everything from steering and navigating to cooking and taking care of the boat. On the longer passages, sailing is undertaken in watch teams where you are on watch for three hours and off watch for six hours. The responsible ‘on-watch’ team handles steering, trimming, and navigation while off-watch you get a chance to rest, sleep and also prepare meals and help out with other duties around the boat.
Bora Bora is a volcanic gem in the Leeward Islands is surrounded by coral reefs that create stunning turquoise waters. The island’s mountainous peaks, like Mount Otemanu and Mount Pahia, rise majestically from the sea, offering a dramatic backdrop as you approach. On the west side, a spacious lagoon awaits, protected by the smaller islands of Toopua and Toopua Iti—perfect for anchoring and soaking in the serene beauty. In Vaitape, the island’s main village, we can get a taste of local culture.
From Bora Bora Celeste will set sail for Niue, which is off the beaten track. The island is commonly referred to as ‘The Rock’, which comes from the traditional name ”Rock of Polynesia”. It is a raised coral island, roughly 40 miles in circumference. Niue’s has a rugged coastline, with its steep cliffs and craggy stone formations. The fringing reef offers fantastic snorkelling, while the inland caves and pools, like the Limu Pools, provide the perfect spots to cool off. You will explore one of the Pacific’s most unspoiled destinations. The local population, mostly Polynesian, is warm and welcoming, and you’ll find English widely spoken alongside Niuean. The weather can be a bit of a wild card, but that’s part of the adventure.
Leaving Niue we chart a course to the Vavaʿu Group in Tonga. This cluster of islands offers everything from coral atolls to volcanic peaks. The largest island, Vavaʿu, is surrounded by dozens of smaller islands, each with its own charm. The waters here are a sailor’s dream – calm, clear, and full of hidden coves and anchorages just waiting to be discovered. With rich volcanic soil, the islands are lush and green, producing everything from yams to breadfruit, and the beaches are pristine and perfect for a well-deserved rest.
The Vavaʿu Group is also famous for its whale watching, so we will keep an eye out for these gentle giants as we sail through. Whether we are exploring the volcanic landscapes of Late Island or the coral reefs surrounding Fonualei, you’ll find the Vavaʿu Group a thrilling destination. It is not a surprise that the group’s myriad islands and sheltered waters have made it a popular stopover for yachts cruising the Pacific.
Travel from Europe – there are direct flights from Paris (France) to Papeete (Tahiti). The Faaa’s international airport is close by.
