The start from Plymouth was now three weeks ago as the ARC Portugal fleet continue to make their way south down the Portuguese coast. The camaraderie and friendships that have developed over the past few weeks have really made the rally what it is now, one example being the numerous reports of a boat party last night hosted by Rogier, Scisca and Fleur on Waterval.
The wind, despite its southerly nature made for a great sailing start blowing 10-15 knots. Remedy of Mylor tactically crossed the line first, closely followed by Hapatoni and Nikitia. With a great backdrop of the Ponte 25 de Abril, a bridge that was built by the same American bridge company as the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco and the fort on Farol do Torre it was a great spectacle for the locals watching on from the marina breakwater.Despite a late night for many, skippers and crew looked surprisingly fresh this morning as bread was once again delivered to the boats by the Oerias Marina. After a couple of boats slipping lines early to take on fuel, the fleet were on the water with sails up in good time ready for the 1000 start to their next destination, Sines.
On arrival in Sines the fleet have a marina with new facilities to look forward to. The town centre is a 15 minute walk away where tomorrow there will be a welcome reception from the Mayor and a tour of the castle and town. In previous years Sines has provided the perfect opportunity for a pontoon party which is likely to follow good form this year.As the rally nears its final destination, the fleet will undoubtedly make the most of their time here in Sines before departing for Lagos, a 75nm passage early on Tuesday.