The tail-enders may have been at sea for over three weeks, but that just adds to the warmth of the welcome they receive at Rodney Bay, as the last few boats cross the line and make it into the marina. In anticipation of their arrival, friends, family members and other ARC crew will call into the ARC office to check on ETAs, keen to give a special welcome. “How many boats still to come?” is often the first question of the morning. The finish line boats are briefed with the expected arrival times, updated hourly via the YB Trackers as the boats close on Saint Lucia. Then, finally, the VHF radio crackles into life with the call from an approaching boat to the ARC finish line. A friendly response from our friends out in the bay, and then the wait is almost over.
The double-handed crew of Pisces, a Contessa 32 and one of the smallest boats in the fleet, had a big crowd of ARC well-wishers to meet them when they arrived just before 8am local time this morning. Claps and cheers sounded as the tied their lines after 23 days at sea, looking remarkable relaxed if a little tired.
Coming in late this afternoon were Ocean Wanderer and Briet, then Sea Symphony due at first light tomorrow (Wednesday). Yachts Newfoundland and Lumiere have diverted to Barbados and Martinique and are not expected within the time limit of the rally.
As each class has finished, results are calculated and posted onto the ARC website. Meanwhile preparations are also in hand for the prizegiving party on Saturday. This will be the culmination of ARC 2015 and a final change to celebrate everyone’s achievements before the curtain comes down on the end of the 30th ARC.
Before then, there is still plenty to enjoy on the ARC programme, even for the later arrivals, with the IGY Rodney Bay Marina Manager’s party this evening, then the ARC Costume Party and much more to come throughout the week. Tours to the rainforest to explore the zip-wire track, and to climb the famous Pitons are proving popular, whilst other sailors keen to flex muscles after days at sea have taken trips to ride horses along beaches, learn to kite surf and diving excursions.
