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After a passage at sea, crews always seem to enjoy social functions even more so. The sense of achievement and reward resonates across the fleet, so spirits are often high and the socialising amongst participants is always eased. They now share very similar experiences and can talk about their different sailing adventures whilst on leg1 and celebrate being back on dry land.
The first official welcome party provided the fleet with that perfect opportunity to meet up with crews that they have not seen since departing Nanny Cay, and also meet many of the new arrivals that are joining the rally here in Bermuda. Yachts Common Sense, Duale, Resolution 3 and Time Bandit have all joined the rally in Bermuda, and are happy to be here meeting the rest of the fleet, whilst yachts First Edition III, Outer Limits, Sage and Wild Goose have all sailed from Hampton to join the rest of ARC Europe before heading over across the Atlantic together on Wednesday morning.
A fine BBQ was put on by the Dinghy & Sports Club, with complimentary 'Dark & Stormys' served to each participant on arrival. The bar was busy all night, with an eclectic DJ keeping heads bobbing throughout the evening. Some crews put a great effort into dressing up as pirates, Yachts Chiscos, Scolomanzi and Halo deserve a special mention for their excellent fancy dress.
Also during the party, the rally team were called on VHF 77 by yacht Irena, who had just crossed the finish line and were proceeding through the Cut. After a week at sea, it was lovely to be greeted by 80 'Pirates' standing on the dock cheering as Irena motored passed towards the Customs dock.
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