And so it is that ARC Europe 2021 has come to an end in Marina de Lagos.
After such a challenging year sailing together across the North Atlantic, with quarantines and several PCR tests, the warm welcome the boats received from the friendly team at Marina de Lagos and rally staff provided an excellent reception to end their Atlantic crossing.
With five golden anchors Marina de Lagos is a first class marina. Once yachts have checked-in, the footbridge across the channel is opened and there is a real sense of arrival and achievement. The Marina has restaurants, cafes and bars, an Art Academy, a hotel, swimming pool and a spa, all operating in a COVID-secure way. All this on the doorstep of the historic town of Lagos. There is something to satisfy the needs of every crew whether they are keen to explore or prefer to relax.
The final dinner was held at the Way Point restaurant. Those that were present were invited to receive their memento of the Rally from the marina Managing Directors, Martinho and Ingrid Fortunato and World Cruising Club's Manuel Ferreira Lima.
This final event also gives an opportunity to look back on all the boats and crew that have been part of ARC Europe. Cloudy Bay arrived yesterday evening to their destination in Brittany, but others chose to stay longer in the Azores, and Piano and Persha are currently sailing north towards their final destinations. The positions of those still at sea can be seen on the event tracking page, but those who have already made their final landfall can now relax and be proud of their achievements. Congratulations!