International yachts taking part in the 2017/18 World Arc Rally have safely arrived at the Musket Cove Resort and Marina this week.
Event manager Stefano Palumbo told SUNsports yesterday that most of the yachts have made their way into Fijian waters since June.
“At Musket Cove we already have a few boats arriving in the last three days,” he said.
“We expect few more boats arriving today and tomorrow but we officially start our stop over today.
“Our stopover in Musket Cove is a real highlight of the Pacific region. The marina is located on the stunning island of Malolo Lailai and in the beautiful resort settings of Musket Cove, it’s the perfect place for the fleet to regroup after spending the preceding weeks cruising the remote islands of Fiji.
“Musket Cove is especially welcoming of visiting yachtsman and I’d like to thank them again for hosting our fleet- we all look forward to the bula greeting in July.”
He said all the yachties love to spend more time in the Fijian waters.
“We’ve arrived in the beginning of June in Vanuabalavu in the Lau group. This is one of the main stop over for us. As usual people really enjoy the place and they want to stay longer here.
“People decide to take a break and stay here and then join the following year because Fiji is one of the top places.”
This is Palumbo’s second time to be part of the rally and he’s enjoying every bit of it.
“We have 24 boats in total and 19 are leaving for Vanuatu on Saturday and five will be staying back in Fiji. Four boats that have decided to take a break and stay in Fiji for one more year and join the rally next year.”
He said 60 percent of the yachts are monohull while the rest are multihull.
Some extra ordinary yachts are S.Y Skyelark of London has 2 crews; the smallest is Anti Famous, a 34 feet and is around 11 meters. Both yachts came from the Caribbean.
“The rally started from Caribbean and half of them are going to stop over in Australia next month. There is no prize in this world rallies but have few legs that are competitive.”
Skipper of the yacht S.Y Skyelark of London, Daniel Bower said he and his crew are enjoying their time in Fiji.
(Source: FijiSun ONLINE SPORTS 06 July 2017)
