The ARC Europe fleet have had a great time in Ponta Delgada. The yachts arrived in 2 groups after being split up for the stop in Terceira. The winds were light and variable for the first overnight sail and there was great variability in sailing times. The wind filled in for the second group who all arrived within a few hours of each other. Yellow shirts were on the dock ready to catch their lines for both groups.
On Thursday the participants went on a tour of the island up to the Sete Cidades lakes and village. They learnt about the geology and culture of the Azores as well as seeing some beautiful sights. The tour concluded at one of the islands pineapple plantations where there was the chance to sample various pineapple products, from fresh fruit to pineapple jam, even pineapple beer.
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After freshening up, the activity moved to restaurant Sao Pedro at Clube Naval de Ponta Delgada for the prizegiving and dinner. All the fleet received a plaque from the Azores commemorating their journey and crossing presented by Vitoria & Isabel from Ponta Delgada Marina who have hosted the fleet whilst in São Miguel. As well as prizes for placing in the classes a prize for catching the most fish went to Skyelark 2 and Tam Lin of Gloucester won a special prize for ‘Spirit of the ARC’. They have been unfailingly helpful throughout the rally, lending tools, assisting with their dinghy and generally dispensing wisdom to any yacht needing it.
Results:
Multihulls division
3rd Place – Tranquilia
2nd Place – Luna
1st Place – Catalyst
Cruising Division Class B
3rd Place – Tam Lin
2nd Place - Flight
1st Place - Aria Legra
Cruising Division Class A
3rd Place - Stargazing
2nd Place – Nautilia
1st Place – Aleide
Saturday was start day. Clube Naval de Ponta Delgada lent a committee vessel, ably skippered by Miguel, our local rally team member. The fleet had an entertaining start in almost no wind. Stargazing was first to motor across the line, closely followed by Nautilia and Aquila. Not all yachts motored across the line which was good to see and there were even a few coloured sails set!
