The 35 yachts taking part in the Blue Water Round the World Rally, in association with Yachting Monthly, have begun arriving at Mackay Marina Village, on Australia’s Queensland coast after their passage from Port Vila in Vanuatu.

Mackay is a new destination for the Blue Water rally and it was chosen in part for its excellent boatyard facilities. ‘Australia has always been an important stopover for our crews, who need good boatyard facilities for refitting their yachts halfway round the world,’ said Rally Director Peter Seymour.

It’s the first of two Australian destinations for the fleet. After repairing, refitting and relaxing for 10 days, the fleet sets sail for Darwin in Northern Territory before heading into the South China Sea, Indian Ocean, Suez and home.