The Cauden Basin in Port Louis has come alive with rally atmosphere over the last week. Transformed to a vibrant marina with yachts dressed overall, boat parties and welcoming new arrivals has made for a great spectacle and an exciting place to be.
Last night marked the final arrivals into Mauritius. American Spirit II and Merlyn of Poole arrived mid-evening where they were greeted to a large welcoming committee. Fog horns, cheers and a dock party awaited them after their trials of the Indian Ocean.
During the passage, American Spirit II broke their forestay. With the risk of the mast collapsing, supports were put in place and Merlyn of Poole stayed close for the remainder of the passage ready to offer assistance. Now in port, American Spirit II along with other boats in the fleet have chance to source and repair the variety of maintenance issues that occur during an ocean passage.
“On behalf of myself, Joel Heyne and Jeremy Nance I want to thank you for your incredible support in standing by to assist and escort us in our moment of greatest need and peril all the way to Mauritius” – Brian Fox, American Spirit II
Reunited in Port Louis, crews can enjoy what Mauritius has to offer. Tonight, a happy hour at the La Suffren Hotel will be the first chance for crews to be together again, no doubt discussing and comparing their passage across the Indian Ocean. Before departure, the fleet can look forward to a tour of the north of the island supported by the Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority (MTPA). They will visit sights including the SSB Botanical Gardens and can also look forward to an evening prize giving reception hosted by the Cauden Waterfront.