The ARC Europe & ARC USA 2016 rally office officially opened this morning in Nanny Cay as the rally flags were ceremoniously hoisted up the flagpole on the breakwater. We had a flurry of boats checking in today and combined with our sneaky early opening yesterday we now have 24 boats checked in and they're ready for the week ahead. It's great to get here early and enjoy the facilities at Nanny Cay and take time over preparations for departure on Saturday. There is a program of events for the whole week that will keep the skippers and crews busy and it all starts tonight at 1830 with welcome rum punches and canapes on the beach terrace.
The program is one of the items we cover during the 20 minute check in aswell as other items of paperwork incl Customs forms for the next stop, giving out the welcome packs from One Mart supermarket and Budget Marine and of course the rally flags. The program gets busier as more boats arrive and we expect 44 boats and 164 crew to take the start on Saturday 7th May at 1200 local time.
This year the majority of boats have sailed on previous World Cruising Club rallies and it is always nice to see familiar faces from recent rallies such as the ARC, ARC Caribbean 1500 and World ARC. It's always great to welcome those joining their first WCC rally and they will soon become part of the ARC family.
Safety equipment inspection times are scheduled and Peter Burch and his team of inspectors have been out on the docks this morning (in the rain) and this afternoon (in the beautiful sunshine) checking a whole list of items that each boat is required to carry in order to participate. This includes items such as EPIRB, liferaft, grab bag, flares and lifejackets. It is not a tick list that is quickly worked through but a chance for the safety team to share their knowledge and explain why each item is important and the different approaches there are to each situation that may occur whilst at sea.
Don't forget to tune in to the morning broadcast on VHF 77 at 0900 each day which keeps everyone informed of any changes and updates. Enjoy the week and rally control (the "yellow shirts") will be standing by on 77!