Bay warmly welcomes international sailors
THE Zululand Yacht Club (ZYC) has been a hive of activity this week as 19 international yachts moored up after completing the Reunion-to-Richards Bay leg of the World ARC (Atlantic Rally for Cruisers) sail.
Among the international sailors fresh off the boat in Zululand were Norway’s Terje and Pia Elisabeth Haland who were looking forward to exploring South Africa, starting with Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Game Reserve.
‘Many years ago when we first got married, we dreamed of living in South Africa for a while, but then we had children,’ said Pia.
‘So we really cannot wait to see all that the country has to offer.’
From day trips to the game reserve and St Lucia, to evening activities including traditional Zulu dancing and a prize giving, ZYC kept the yachties busy with touristy, fun things to do.
‘The race has been enjoyable, our boat has handled it exceptionally well because she is very strong and well built,’ said Terje.
This is the second World ARC in which the couple has participated, and they joined this year’s race in Australia in July.
After some sailing and exploring in Australia, the rally set sail from Darwin to the Indian Ocean islands.
This most recent leg saw the group leave the island of Reunion on 3 November, arriving in Richards Bay from Monday.
‘We love immersing ourselves in each country’s culture, as well as exploring the natural environment, that to us is one of the most valuable reasons to travel,’ said Terje.
‘The Reunion-to-Richards Bay leg is the one I was most worried about,’ said Pia.
‘But as it turns out, it was exceptionally good and probably the best leg of the rally so far.’
The Halands will soon set sail for Cape Town where they will leave their boat and fly home to Norway for Christmas and a surprise visit with their children and grandchildren.
In January, all ARC participants will leave Cape Town and head to St Helena island.
The World ARC is a 26 000 nautical mile round-the-world adventure over 15 months.
It follows the classic trade winds route, avoiding regions of political instability and storm seasons in both hemispheres.
Participants can join from the Caribbean island of St Lucia or Australia, and can complete either a full or half ARC.