Our thoughts are with our friends in Vanuatu recovering from the devastation left by severe tropical cyclone Pam. The ORCV has partnered with OxFam and is exploring other fund raising efforts such as a charity race and will keep you posted. See subseuqnet website artclie Yachties4Vanuatu Day - Saturday 11 April, 2015.
The ORCV has conducted three 1,885 nautical mile international yachts races from Melbourne to Vanuatu in 2006, 2010 and 2014. During those events, entrants have filled a shipping container with humanitarian aid that they have distributed to various communities in Vanuatu during their cruising back home. The next race is likely to be either 2017 or 2019.
 |
See the following news reports for more details and images of widespread destruction the Category Five tropical cyclone that ravaged the tiny island nation of Vanuatu on Friday 13 March, 2015:
|
| PHOTO: Boats damaged by Tropical Cyclone Pam in Port Vila harbour. (UNICEF Pacific via ABC) | |
|
Several Aid Agencies have announced relief appeals. You can Donate to OxFam Cyclone Pam Emergancy Appeal via www.Yachties4Vanuatu.com. OxFam's current relief efforts are focussed on Water and Sanitation. See the ABC's Appeals Australia is #WithVanuatu page for other aid agencies. Vanuatu is an archipelago of 83 islands with a unique blend of intact tribal communities, resorts, beaches and geography ranging from accessible volcanoes to pristine underwater environments. It is located some 1,750 km east of Australia, 500 km north-east of New Caledonia, west of Fiji and south of the Solomon Islands. We have many fond memories of this truly beautiful part of the world, including the friendliness, optimism and stunning smiles.
Even through this devastation the stunning Vanuatu smiles shine through. |
 |
| PHOTO: A woman assists in the clean up after Tropical Cyclone Pam ravaged Port Vila. (UNICEF Pacific via ABC) |