On 2nd January after nearly 6 weeks of independence, Victor from World Cruising Club arrived on the docks of the V&A Waterfront Marina to wish World ARC 2015-16 participants a happy new year. The start of 2016 continues to be full of adventure; by April they will sail almost 6000 miles, across the southern Atlantic, up the Brazilian coast and back to Saint Lucia in the Caribbean to complete their circumnavigation.
The pre-departure programme in Cape Town included briefings for the ocean crossing and a farewell party at the Alba Lounge Club on the water front. The World Cruising Club team also assisted with clearing Customs & Immigration and negotiating VAT claims. Crews have really enjoyed their time in South Africa and many have vowed to be back, "In short, we have had an incredible time and I know that all of us were very sad to leave. Africa is well and truly under our skin and it’s a place we will return to." said Nichola from Aretha.
The instability of the weather conditions in Table Bay off of Cape Town have made for a more challenging departure for previous World ARC fleets, however this year participants were greeted on start day, 6th January 2016, with warm temperatures and light cloud and a westerly breeze of 10 to 12 knots.
The start for Leg 16 was given at 1100 local time, seeing 13 rally yachts cross the line with the impressive Table Mountain overlooking the starting area. Circe will be sailing independently for this leg directly to Fortaleza.
The forecast promises some strong winds for the first few days to propel the fleet to the remote island of Saint Helena and the fleet are expected to arrive after 8-9 days at sea having covered 1700NM. From there, the yachts will continue across the South Atlantic to Salvador de Bahia in Brazil. Crews have been finding their sea legs as they tackle the final ocean, but most are happy to be underway once again. Eric Faber from Luna Quest sent in this log of their first night underway, "The seas are impressive under a blue sky. We estimate their height at between 5 and 8 meters with white caps everywhere and the tops of the waves becoming a translucent light blue before breaking. We are surrounded by albatrosses, boobies and a small quick-flying bird, a pleasure to watch the ease with which they manage the winds and seas. It is great to be back."
Their progress can be followed online via the Fleet Tracker.