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The Atlantic Cup sailors enjoyed the camaraderie among their fellow Rally participants and had the bonus this year to meet up with ARC Europe participants in Tortola and Bermuda. This proved to be a big hit among both groups of sailors.
The Atlantic Cup boats that finished in Hampton, Virginia are Brizio, Cosmic Dancer, Escapade, Kia Orana and Trillium. They were impressed with the power of the Gulf Stream. Clive on Cosmic Dancer, a Sweden 38 said “The Atlantic Cup was a fantastic event!” Cosmic Dancer also participated in ARC 2011. Trillium, a Hallberg Rassy 46 is a veteran of numerous Caribbean 1500 and Atlantic Cup rallies. Trillium had a great sail from Bermuda with good winds most of the way. Flying their genneker they often sailed at speeds of 8-10 knots even against a 2 knot current.
Surprise, a Little Harbor 44, rather than heading to Hampton, sailed on a more northerly route since her home port is Edgartown, Massachusetts. We are still waiting to hear more details from Charles and his crew about their “hair raising landfall in New England”. The other Massachusetts boat, Comocean arrived after her 11 day Atlantic voyage to Osterville, MA on May 17.
One indicator that participants were happy with the Atlantic Cup Rally is the interest in joining other World Cruising Club Rallies. Since arriving from Bermuda, many Atlantic Cup participants have been in contact with the World Cruising Club. It is great to hear on the phone and via emails from the captains inquiring about Caribbean 1500, ARC Europe and World ARC. Neil on Escapade his new Antares 44 has already confirmed his entry in 2012 Caribbean 1500.
Mark and Sarah on Field Trip departed Bermuda with their two small children and an additional crewmember, Jim from sister ship, Escapade. They did the passage from Bermuda to Newport Rhode Island in 3 days and 14 hours.
Due to their extended stay in Bermuda, they were the last of the Atlantic Cup 2012 boats to complete the Rally. All of the Atlantic Cup sailors are either back to work, enjoying more sailing along the East Coast of the States or planning the next sailing trip.
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