Cocos has lived-up to its reputation of having the most beautiful beaches in the world. This remote and stunning archipelago in the South Indian Ocean has been a favorite stop for all of the ARC boats.

Matilda at anchor in Direction Island anchorage

There could be many reasons for us favoring it so much not the least of which is that it is our last stop before we embark on a 2350 mile leg to Mauritius. We are facing the second longest leg of the circumnavigation!

Black tip reef shark swimming around our boat

We have enjoyed letting-our hair down and celebrating Oktoberfest and beach-birthdays and cocktail parties. We have been in a celebratory mood but this is short-lived. We depart tomorrow at 11:00 on leg 11 bound for Mauritius.

Copra was a big industry in Cocos

Provisioning has been very limited but the store did have a large supply of Arnott’s biscuits and some very overpriced Vegemite. There has been no trash service on these islands so it all stays onboard until Mauritius. 

We have inspected the mast, all the rigging and the engine and fixed the broken generator. We have pre-cooked meals and made double batches of yogurt. This leg could be a little rough and windy.