What
a night, the end of an era for many and a stylish farewell party kindly hosted
by Marina De Lagos. Before heading into the Waypoint Restaurant for a delicious
3 course meal, the fleet enjoyed welcome drinks on the terrace by the swimming
pool at 1930. With everyone well fed and lubricated it was time for the final
prize giving to begin.
With ARC Europe being a multi leg event over such a long distance and with
various commitments and time constraints some yachts were not able, or did not
intend, to finish their transatlantic trip in Lagos. It was a great opportunity
to look at each yacht and remind us all who has been a part of ARC Europe
2012 by projecting a selection of photos of the crew on the overhead projector,
providing an update on their latest positions as well as reading out telegrams
sent from each absent boat still at sea or at their final destination. The
telegrams added a personal touch and were an ideal way for absent participants
to become part of the farewell festivities.
After
dinner, Kieran and Lyall stood to address the restaurant, providing an
entertaining, informative and personal award ceremony. There were some fine
prizes given to worthy participants… For example, the lovely family boat
Talisman LII received the ‘kingpin’ award which had been donated to the fleet
in Ponta Delgada during our bowling evening, which each yacht signed, a great
memento!
First place went to Ernst and his crew on Zingara, followed closely by
Sookie. These two yachts have consistently battles it out on the start lines
and the finish lines of all legs. Never have we had such a friendly competition
at the top. The
fishing competition was won by Italian boat Duale who caught a monster of a
marlin, and were happy to receive a toy fishing rod as well a lovely bottle of
tawny port and a hard back book about Lagos, which every participating yacht
had received.
It
is always hard to draw a line under World Cruising Club events when the fleet
has really bonded and many friendships have been made. ARC Europe continues to
challenge the best of the sailors and take them across the North Atlantic from
west to east visiting some great destinations. At the start it brings
individuals from many different countries and after six weeks it is hard to
break up the small family that has come together.
World
Cruising Club would like to thank the participants and skippers for
choosing to sail with ARC Europe 2012 and helping to make it a fantastic event.
Safe sailing. Rally control, standing by…
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