Dates: March 1 – March 26, 2026, 26 days
Price: 4 000 Euro
Nautical Miles: 2 980 NM
Skipper: Johan Billström, mobile +46 72 302 11 85
First mate: tbd
Start: Santa Cruz, Galapagos
End: Hiva Oa, Marquesas
An adventure of a lifetime! You will have the opportunity to explore Galapagos, a one-of-a-kind destination, offering adventure, natural beauty, and a front-row seat to some of the most extraordinary wildlife on Earth. You will You will board Celeste to sail across the Pacific Ocean to yet another paradise—the Marquesas in French Polynesia.

The crew meets in Santa Cruz, Galapagos on March 1. We get to know our boat, Celeste of Solent, a Farr 65r, and each other. Before we depart we will do the route planning and have a thorough safety briefing. There will also be social gatherings with the rest of the fleet participating in the World ARC.
This leg of the World ARC Rally marks the primary Pacific Ocean segment of our journey.

We depart with the World ARC fleet in early March from Santa Cruz in the Galapagos. The consistent south east trade winds are expected to ensure a swift and pleasant downwind voyage.
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 skipper and first mate will always be at hand to guide and help when needed.
We anticipate arriving in Hiva Oa, Marquesas, after about 18 days blue water sailing.

Marquesas, part of French Polynesia and offers a rare mix of adventure, culture, and nature in one of the world’s most untouched destinations.Since Celeste is a performance yacht we will likely arrive in Marquesas in advance of most participating yachts in the Rally.
The port of entry will be Hiva Oa and once we have arrived the crew will have the opportunity to unwind, explore, and savor the relaxed rhythm of island life, all while admiring the breathtaking scenery.

Marquesas offer raw adventure with towering volcanic cliffs, lush jungles, and hidden waterfalls. Perfect for hikers, the islands boast dramatic trails leading to sacred archaeological sites and stunning viewpoints.
Rich in Polynesian culture, visitors can engage with local artisans and experience timeless traditions. For water lovers, secluded bays are ideal for snorkeling, diving, and marine life encounters.
Read more about what you can expect sailing on Celeste: Sailing on Celeste
Read more about the Rally: Word Cruising Club