The World ARC fleet got off to another good start this morning to make the shortest competitive passage of the rally route between the wonderful Indian Ocean islands of Mauritius and La Reunion. The start line was laid across the entrance to Port Louis harbour where there was a sufficient wind blowing of around 10 knots. From exiting the start line two smaller groups formed, taking different courses to La Reunion, so it will be interesting to see which course proved the quickest. The start line was well contested as the Rally yachts paced up and down the start line, watched by the committee and spectators aboard the Mauritius Port Authourity work boat Seagull. Mr Blues unfortunately mis-judged their speed and were over the line so took a penalty turn. The first boat over the start line after the signal was the Amel 54, Ruby followed at less than a boat length, by Beatoo. Within only 2 minutes, two thirds of the fleet had crossed the start line, demonstrating a real competitive spirit. 
The passage to Le Port in La Reunion is 130 nautical miles and is expected to take the yachts around 18-24 hours to complete. The winds are forecast to be around 10 knots from the east so it’s not expected that any records will be broken. The fleet have had a tremendously enjoyable time in Mauritius and found it to be a wonderful stopover. World Cruising Club would again like to thank the Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authourty, (MTPA) and Le Caudan Waterfront, and also the authourities in the Mauritius Port Authourity for their support to the Rally. |