Vanuatu welcomed an international fleet of 18 sailing ships from various countries, including France, the UK, the Netherlands, Germany, Canada, and the USA, who set sail in September 2021 on a journey that took them across the Caribbean, Panama, French Polynesia, Fiji, New Zealand, and New Caledonia before reaching Vanuatu.
Their voyage will continue to Australia and Indonesia, where the rally is expected to end around March or April 2024.
Leading the way is Luc Callebaut, who has been in Vanuatu for over four years, serving as a team leader to help the crews understand their destinations better and connect with the locals while spending money in communities.
On Saturday, 11 sailing ships arrived in Port Vila harbour, with the last one due today. All the crews came together at Banyan Beach Bar for a meet-and-greet event organized by the Department of Tourism and the Vanuatu Tourism Office.
Most of the crews are visiting Vanuatu for the first time, and they will have the opportunity to explore the country’s beauty and culture. The sailors will be in Port Vila this week before sailing off for canoe racing and swimming with dugongs on Epi Island.
They will sail to Malekula island to attend the Nalawan Festival, followed by Ambrym Island to participate in the Roam dance on the “Back to My Roots” Festival before heading to Pentecost to witness the land diving “Nagol”. Their final destination in Vanuatu is Santo, where they will visit President Coolidge’s wreck before leaving the country.
This sailing rally presents a unique opportunity for the crews to experience Vanuatu’s natural wonders and cultural diversity while promoting sustainable tourism practices and supporting local communities.
