Following a steady stream of ARC+ yachts completing the course during last week, there was huge noise, applause and congratulations today as the last yacht in the fleet was welcomed into IGY Rodney Bay Marina in Saint Lucia. The huge welcome was bestowed on the Portuguese yacht Allegro, sailed by Luis and Manuela Adão and Rui De Castilho. The trio had not had an easy trip following several happenings at sea, including a sea water leak from a hull fitting which flooded the boat until the floor boards and the loss of their generator and watermaker. Luis said about his arrival and welcome from fellow ARC+ participants ‘ I saw boats being welcomed in on ARC 2004, so I new is was a nice occasion but today was altogether different – so many people waving and cheering, with the horns making noise, made us all very happy’.
Allegro was the 49th and last boat to arrive, from the fleet which re-started from Mindelo, in the Cape Verde Islands. On the whole, the fleet have enjoyed reasonably good passage times, although the winds were significantly lighter for the last few days, for the arrivals of the last boats. Ocean sailing would not be ocean sailing without a few equipment issues, which will require attention during the next few days, but all crew have arrived in good health with no incidents at sea.
Today’s last arrival was also perfect timing because this evening the Saint Lucia Tourist Board hosted a superb Welcome Cocktail for the ARC+ crews. Director of the Saint Lucia Tourist Board, Louis Lewis, and General Manager of IGY Rodney Bay Marina, Simon Bryan, welcomed the fleet to the island and marina wishing the crews a great stay. The crews were reminded that they are always welcome. Andrew Bishop, Managing Director of World Cruising Club, thanked Louis and Simon for their welcome and updated the fleet on the arrivals of ARC boats as well. The ARC fleet has been slowed with the light winds and so it will be the job of the ARC+ crews to keep Rodney Bay buzzing over the next few days.
The Prize-giving Party for the ARC+ fleet will be held on Wednesday which will be followed by the early arrivals party for the ARC fleet. Follow the ARC’s progress on the Fleet Viewer here.