Dates: June 28 – July 10 2026, 12 days
Price: 1 920 Euro
Nautical Miles: 660 NM
Skipper: Thomas Darholm, mobile +46 70 216 35 02
First mate: Johan Axelsson, mobile + 46 70 958 35 84
Start: Musket Cove, Fiji
End: Vila, Vanuatu
This sailing adventure will offer offer both blue water sailing and cruising among paradise islands. The route is divided into one rally leg from Fiji to Vanuatu and cruising the archipelago of Vanuatu.
The crew meets in Musket Cove on Fiji on June 29th. We get to know our boat, Celeste of Solent, a Farr 65R, and each other.
Musket Cove Island Resort & Marina is one of the more well-known resorts in Fiji, located on Malolo Lailai Island in the Mamanuca group of islands. It’s a popular destination, especially among sailors. The island is surrounded by crystal-clear water, coral reefs, and white sand. The area offers a classic image of a tropical paradise.
We will explore the surroundings, enjoy this paradise island, and meet other participants in the rally.
On July 1st, WARC will organize a gathering for all crews, which we will attend.
We will also prepare for the start of the next leg on July 4th to Port Resolution on Tanna, 450 NM. This will be an ocean sailing journey lasting about 3 days, giving us plenty of time to settle into the routines of offshore sailing.
Before we depart we will do the route planning and have a thorough safety briefing.
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-hour shifts. That means you will be on watch for three hours and off watch for six hours.
The waters around Fiji and Vanuatu are rich in wildlife. Humpback whales usually arrive in the area in June for mating. The humpback whale is known for its breaching and song.
We will dock at Port Resolution, a small village and harbor located on the island of Tanna in Vanuatu, in the southern Pacific Ocean. It is situated in a sheltered bay on the southeastern side of the island and is best known for its scenic beauty and proximity to Mount Yasur, one of the world’s most active volcanoes and one of the biggest attractions in the area. The volcano is relatively accessible, allowing visitors to get close to the crater and experience its activity up close.
Port Resolution is surrounded by spectacular landscapes with beaches, cliffs, hot springs, and rainforests. The bay has calm waters, making it a popular spot for boats and sailors to anchor. The harbor was named by British explorer James Cook, who anchored here during his voyage in 1774. He named the harbor after his ship, HMS Resolution.
The villages around Port Resolution, including the village itself, offer a glimpse into the traditional life that many of Tanna’s inhabitants lead. Here, visitors can meet the local people and gain insight into their lifestyle, which often revolves around farming, fishing, and traditional ceremonies.
The next stretch up to Port Vila is a cruising leg, and we can choose when to start the leg, which route to sail, and any potential stops along the way.
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 ethnicities, including ni-Vanuatu (the country’s indigenous people), French, Australian, Chinese, and other immigrant groups.
The island of Efate, where the city is located, 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 that attract visitors. The island’s road network is relatively simple, with one road circling the entire island, making it possible to explore many of its scenic spots.
The leg ends in Port Vila, Vanuatu, on July 10th.
Read more about what to expect Sailing on Celeste
Read more about the Rally: Word Cruising Club
SAILING ROUND THE WORLD 