ARC+ came to an official end tonight at the Royal by Rex Resorts in Rodney Bay, a very fitting venue for the finale of such a successful event. The rally has safely supported just under 200 participants and 42 boats from Las Palmas De Gran Canaria via the Cape Verdes and onto Saint Lucia. Since the doors opened to all ARC+ boats in Las Palmas at the beginning of November, participants have enjoyed a multitude of social events, informative seminars, breath-taking tours and of course some exciting offshore sailing which has made this unique sailing rally one to remember.
“The whole experience has been seamless from start to finish, we have made some new friends, learned a great deal and are genuinely sad that it’s all over.’ Marianto – Ninfea
Complimentary drinks were served on arrival to all ARC+ participants as they got together at the final ARC+ function. The sense of cohesion and genuine friendliness amongst the whole fleet was made apparent tonight as crews from all different nationalities and walks of life chatted together, laughed and even shed a few tears after successfully achieving their Atlantic passage.
ARC+ Participants gather at the Royal at Rex Resorts ARC & ARC+ crews all together at the farewell Party
“It really will be sad to say goodbye to all these interesting people, but I am confident we will cross paths again on the docks somewhere around the world’” – Wanne, Easy Rider II
Prizes were awarded to many boats for a variety of achievements however most crews were excited to hear the winners of Leg 2 from Cape Verdes to Saint Lucia.
Division 2 – Multihulls
3rd – Karma Wins (AUS)
2nd – Malisi (Line Honours) (AUT)
1st - Enigma – (MAL)
Division 1 – Class B
3rd – Sonsy Lass (GBR)
2nd – Rosa Fascia (GBR)
1st – La Peregrina (GBR)
Division 1 – Class A
3rd – Bella Vela (USA)
2nd – Mathilde (DEN)
1st – Luv (GER)
After the formalities of the prize giving and speeches, it was time for the ARC Welcome Party to commence. With 38 ARC boats now arrived and 42 ARC+ boats, the event was a great success and the ideal opportunity for cruisers to share their slightly different experiences from the two rallies and the very different weather conditions!
We feel lucky with our very cruisy passage from Mindelo after hearing about some of these racers on the ARC’ – Colin, La Rochelle
Steel drummers provide the sound track Crews dance to the sound of the steel drums
Thanks goes to the Saint Lucia Tourist Board for welcoming the ARC in such a style and providing the ingredients for a great symbiotic farewell and welcome celebration. A live steel band supplied the ideal sound track to the event, as people gathered around the percussionists to feel the rhythm of the Caribbean beat.