The World ARC 2015-16 fleet are in their final few days before departure and after a fun time exploring the Galapagos Islands of San Cristobal, Isabella and Santa Cruz, the work has begun to prepare for the longest leg of the Rally route, across to the Marquesas islands of French Polynesia.
The fleet have gathered back together at the commercial centre of the Galapagos Islands, Puerto Ayora. The town offers some good restaurants, reasonable provisioning options but little by way of boat parts and spares. During Monday, many of the fleet have been resupplying essential supplies such as gas, diesel, gasoline and water and at the same time extra provisions have been bought in the local markets and stores.
But it has not been all work and the crews got together tonight for a Rally Supper and Prizegiving at the Il Giardino Restaurant, on Puerto Ayora’s main street. Prizes were awarded for the last leg from Panama to Galapagos, with Luna Quest, Hugur and GarliX taking the podium in the cruising monohull division. There were also several fun prizes including for the ETA competition and the fishing competition. Peter Long and baby Kai Barthelet also received a prize for crossing the equator on the last leg on the same day as their birthdays; 71 years and 1 year apart respectively. Well done to all the prizewinners.
The programme in Puerto Ayora continues with resupplies of fuel and water on Tuesday, before immigration check out on Wednesday morning and the start at midday. But still time for crews to take in a last look at the superb flora and fauna of the Galapagos islands, visit Tortuga Beach or venture into the highlands.