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The Akilaria 40 Vaquita (AUT) blasted her way across the Atlantic, covering the 2,800 nautical mile course in just over 12 days, a magnificent passage for a forty-footer. They crossed the finish line with a large flotilla of spectator boats following close by, tacking to make the line and immediately jumping into the ocean to celebrate.
Skipper and Owner Christof Petter lead his team of experienced racing sailors, which included ex-Volvo Ocean Race skipper Andreas Hanakamp, in their second bid in the Open 40 in as many years. Last year, one of the slowest ARC rallies ever, Vaquita (then Wesailforthewhale), completed the course in 17 days, some five days longer than this year.
"The comparison between the two years is incredible," mentioned crewmember Nina Gruendler. "Last year was slow and frustrating," she went on, "but this year was like a holiday! Just perfect sailing conditions."
Vaquita exceeded 23 knots at times during her surfing runs, and managed to sustain 18-20 in the fresh conditions that made for beautiful sailing on what is shaping up to be a traditional downwind, tradewind passage.
"Sleeping below was a bit of a challenge," added another crewmember. "The sound of the water rushing by outside and the entire hull just vibrating with speed really made for an exciting race."
Vaquita is the first boat to arrive in St. Lucia in the racing division, and is a full 36 hours ahead of the nearest competition, Clem (ESP) a Swan 56, who is due in tomorrow evening. Vaquita, despite her diminutive size, is actually the scratch boat in this year's Racing Division, with the highest handicap. She'll need all the time she can get to hope to best her rivals on corrected time, and her crew is hoping their hard work pays off once the dust settles and all the boats arrive.
They will have plenty of time to enjoy the festivities in Saint Lucia leading up to the prizegiving ceremony, where the results will ultimately be sussed out. The speed of the boats at the front of the fleet was nearly on record pace this year - Med Spirit (FRA/RUS), who arrived in late last night to take line honors, was only a few hours shy of the fastest time ever. Five boats have now crossed the finish - trimaran Rayon Vert (FRA) followed closely behind Med Spirit, with the Gunboat 66 Phaedo (USA) and the ex-Whitbread super-maxi Rothmans (SWE) arriving into Rodney Bay this morning before Vaquita.
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