ARC+ set sail early this afternoon from Mindelo in the Cape Verde Islands. A total of 62 ARC+ boats crossed a start line laid East to West between a floating buoy and the Northern breakwater of Porto Mindelo. It was a spectacle view with north easterly winds providing idyllic sailing conditions for a downwind start. The fleet sailed west keeping the impressive Monte Cara Mountain range to port, making for a dramatic view for onlookers on the shore. First across the line on the multihull division was Opptur (NOR) and on the monohull division Clyde Challenger (GBR) followed closely by the Bavaria 39 Bilio (GBR). Nine boats are still in port waiting for small repairs to be concluded. The remaining of the fleet are now on their way to Saint Lucia in the Caribbean, some 2090NM due West of the Cape Verde Islands.
A huge thank you goes to all involved who made this first stopover here on the island of São Vicente such a success. Marina Mindelo staff worked day and night to ensure the fleet enjoyed their stay, guaranteeing all boats were well looked after as well as their crews. Special thanks goes to Jackie and the Port Captain Tuga and his strong team. Kai Brossman who completed professional repair work on over 18 rally boats and of course our Marina Manager Lutz Mayer-Scheel who worked long and hard leading up to and during the stopover.
All ARC+ boats are fitted with the YB3 Satellite trackers, allowing family and friends to follow the fleet from the comfort of their own home. As well as position, the online Fleet Viewer displays heading, speed and boat information. Wind direction and speed is also shown. Follow the fleet online here