The party everyone's waiting for
The final event of the ARC is the most anticipated. Why? Well, it's the evening the results are announced (as well as a huge farewell party). And, with this year's ARC characterised by days of light airs, the pre-results chatter suggested there were going to be a few surprises. ARC 2008 brought out the best in the crews' ability to make tactical sailing, weather, and routing decisions.
The full list of official results is available in the results section of the website. The ARC though, is a sailing event that taps into more than just the competitive spirit, and some of the evenings biggest cheers were received by the more informal prize-winners.
Norwegian family in the spotlight
Norwegians Pal and Pauline Book-Bratbak, along with their young family, including 8 month old Marina, and Pauline's brother Karl were called on stage for four awards, including the Jimmy Cornell trophy for overall winner of division one, as well as youngest participant, and winner of class H with their Beneteau First 31.7, Madonna. Fellow participants took to their feet in recognition of their achievement.
Special mention was given to the crew of Ohana, Vaiva, Windancer IV, and Magic Pelagic, for assisting other yachts during the crossing, whilst Spirit of the ARC Award went to the multi-national crew of Free to Be.
New five year contract announced
The ARC 2008 programme in both Las Palmas and St Lucia has received widespread praise, improving year on year through closer ties with local businesses and sponsors. Against this backdrop, Andrew Bishop, Managing Director of World Cruising Club (WCC) announced the signing of a five year contract to keep the Caribbean stage of the ARC at the new IGY Rodney Bay Marina. Major sponsors in St Lucia include the Ministry of Tourism, Digicel, Heineken, and Columbian Emeralds.
Whilst some crews will fly home immediately, most skippers and their yachts will spend the winter cruising the Caribbean, exploring the many islands and anchorages for which the region is famous, and enjoying life afloat. Whilst their ARC experience may be over, many months of living their dream of Caribbean cruising now lie ahead.
Where next?
The WCC team will be returning to South Africa over Christmas to rejoin World ARC which departs Cape Town on 3 January in partnership with the Heineken Cape to Bahia Race. You can also visit our stand and meet the staff at the Excel London Boat show from 9 - 18 January, and learn more about our other events including ARC Europe, Classic Malts Cruise, Rally Portugal, and World ARC 2010.