Following departure from Plymouth last Wednesday, the ARC Portugal fleet have experienced a variety of winds and weather conditions, including the Bay of Biscay showing glimpses of her famous reputation.
The English Channel and north of Biscay provided light and pleasant sailing conditions, accompanied by an array of dolphins, whales and even sharks. Peter from Chanto who were first to make landfall in Bayona described the dolphins at night:
“shooting through the phosphorescence leaving a sparkling trail whilst making zipping noises as they cleared the water”.
The reports of marine wildlife this year have certainly exceeded that of previous crossings.
Despite the marine entertainment, strong winds from the north east affected the fleet and with it bringing challenging seas and conditions. Each successfully coped with the conditions rounding the notoriously windy Cape Finisterre, making arrival in Bayona that much more of an achievement. With the unfortunate withdrawal from Kinni Rossi who are safely moored in Brest, Yacht May are expected to arrive tomorrow afternoon completing the fleet in a sunny and welcoming Bayona.
Tonight welcome sangrias at the Monte Real Club De Yates will ease crews into the Spanish way of life before touring to Santiago de Compostela, a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1985 tomorrow morning.