The anticipation of the next and longest leg of the rally grew today following the Skippers’ Briefing about the next leg and what’s in store for the fleet when they arrive in the beautiful Marquesas Islands. With all the information for the start the day after tomorrow and details on French Polynesia there was plenty of information to take in.
So it was only fitting that the skippers and crew then got to reward themselves with a very enjoyable drinks reception, during which prizes were awarded for the last competitive leg of the Rally.
The evening was full of laughter and fun. Leg 3 was a difficult leg with many experiencing winds over 40 knots at the very beginning and then struggling with little wind over the last 24 hours to sail across the finishing line. All of those that did manage to hold off on the engine were rewarded for their achievements. The first prizes on all the divisions where attributed to the British flagged boats: Cruising division Class A the Arcona 430, Tulla Mhor owned by Dug and Val Glen, on Class B Skyelark of London owned by Em and Dan Bower and on Multihulls division the Leopard 46, Laura Dawn owned by Andrew Willis. Following the award of the ‘podium’ prizes, several other prizes were presented, including for contributions to the Photo Competition and the Best Start. The last one being won by the Italian crew and yacht Ocean Bird that cross the start line in Las Perlas under the sound and lyrics of Nel Blu dipinto di Blu (Volare). Check the Results for Leg 3 here.
After a fun evening and a fantastic dinner and a late night for some, tomorrow is a free day to be spent as required. Some will be provisioning, other catching up on emails and internet before the long time at sea, and many will have a last meal ashore in the Galapagos before setting off on the 3000mile leg the day after tomorrow, 1st March at 1200LT (UTC -6).