The spirit of World ARC
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2/8/08
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"World ARC has brought together such an absolutely amazing group of people..." so began Jerry (on right in picture) as, at the Yorkeys Knob Boat Club BBQ, he thanked everyone for the help and support that enabled him to drive his dismasted yacht Wizard safely all the way to Cairns.
Dismasted over 800nm from Cairns, carrying less than 200 litres of fuel, Wizard had no chance of reaching Cairns alone. While Australian rescue services were poised for action, it was the magnificent efforts of fellow World ARC crew that got Jerry into Cairns "Like our very own series of petrol stations, one by one World ARC yachts appeared over the horizon" said Jerry.
First Windflower and Strega, then Tallulah Ruby followed by Blue Flyer, and finally Northern Sky the smallest yacht in our fleet. Each fuel transfer was an adventure in its own right; seas were not slight, techniques were various, but in the end all were successful and won't be forgotten for a very long time.
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In a twist of fate Strega first donated fuel then promptly lost the use of her engine. So Paul and Andy of Tallulah Ruby, double-handing on this leg, having donating diesel to Wizard, found themselves diverting again to give petrol to Strega for their generator. On the final approach, the breeze strengthened and Strega under sail had a sudden turn of speed leaving Talullah Ruby chasing through the Grafton Passage to catch-up before again assisting Strega with a final tow in.
The competition of World ARC Racing Leg 12 may have been forgotten, but that was only until in the light of two burning dinghies, the biggest cheer of the evening went to Cleone, who just a few miles away, was at that moment crossing the finish line, an extra special moment for Elizabeth and William, Cleone crew and stalwarts of World ARC, who having reached their destination leave us here. We will miss them.
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While some depart, others arrive. Blue Flyer have just arrived in their new home. Emigrating to Australia Hugh and Val arrived to join their daughter here in Australia. Welcome also goes Baccalieu III and La Boheme who join World ARC here.
Thankyou to everyone at Half Moon Bay Marina and YKBC for hosting our prize-giving and BBQ.
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