Embarking on a journey that most only dream of, our family set sail in late 2016, inheriting Arc en Ciel, the catamaran where Guillaume spent his formative years. The grand vision? To navigate this magnificent vessel from the turquoise waters of French Polynesia back to the shores of Europe. This isn’t a race against the clock; it’s an immersive exploration, a chance to truly Travel The World 7 Seas at our own rhythm, soaking in the diverse cultures and landscapes along the way.
Our adventure began in February 2017, amidst the stunning beauty of Raiatea, French Polynesia. This initial phase was crucial: to truly make Arc en Ciel our own and meticulously prepare her for the long voyage ahead. Raiatea proved to be the perfect staging ground, boasting well-equipped shipyards, resourceful DIY stores, skilled mechanics, and expert sailmakers. Having spent eight wonderful years navigating these very waters on Rebelle, our smaller 9-meter monohull, we were already intimately acquainted with the Leeward Islands and their breathtaking lagoons.
The transition to a catamaran has been transformative. Beyond the obvious benefit of increased space, Arc en Ciel’s shallow draft of just 50 cm opens up a world of possibilities. We can now explore incredibly shallow waters, venture into secluded anchorages, and even effortlessly beach the boat. This newfound freedom enhances our ability to truly travel the world 7 seas, accessing hidden gems and coastal wonders previously out of reach.
Our planned itinerary, after departing French Polynesia, charts a course towards the Cook Islands, followed by Tonga, Fiji, Vanuatu, New Caledonia, Australia, Indonesia, Papua, Philippines, Malaysia, Thailand, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, and finally, the captivating Maldives. This extensive route promises a rich tapestry of experiences, each destination offering unique encounters and cultural immersions as we travel the world 7 seas.
Upon reaching the Maldives, a pivotal decision awaits us, presenting two distinct paths forward in our quest to travel the world 7 seas. The first option involves navigating through the Gulf of Aden, a route that carries the risk of pirate encounters, before transiting the Suez Canal into the Mediterranean Sea. Alternatively, the “Big Tour” beckons, a longer but perhaps equally rewarding voyage that would take us around South Africa, across to Brazil, through the Caribbean, and onwards to the Azores.
At this juncture, any firm decision remains premature. Both routes present their own set of advantages and challenges in our ambition to travel the world 7 seas. Our ultimate path will be shaped by the people we meet, the status of our resources, and our collective intuition as we progress. Flexibility remains our guiding principle, allowing for spontaneous adjustments and detours as we embrace the unpredictable nature of long-distance sea travel.
The journey ahead is undeniably extensive, yet brimming with unparalleled beauty and the promise of extraordinary encounters. Countless remarkable sights and diverse cultures await us as we continue to travel the world 7 seas. We invite you to explore the articles and videos documenting our adventures thus far. We sincerely hope you enjoy sharing in our journey!
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