It was a great start today at 1200 as 12 ARC Europe yachts headed East away from Santa Maria and towards Lagos in Portugal. Having sailed from Ponta Delgada as part of the Acoriano Oriental Yacht race to Santa Maria, the ARC Europe fleet crossed the start line this afternoon with 4 other yachts who were heading back to Ponta Delgada. Good winds with some fine sunny periods allowed for a picturesque start line, with yachts Zingara and Sookie once again battling it out for first over the line. The winds picked up during the morning and by 1200UTC there was 10-15 knots blowing in from the West. The committee vessel a 5 metre rib nipped around the yachts capturing some great shots as they tacked along the South coast of this remarkable island of Santa Maria. Guests from the Clube Naval also made their way out onto the water to support the fleet across the start line. They have been very supportive over the last few days whilst ARC Europe has been here, and we hope to see them all again in the future.
The start line favoured a starboard tack just, with some yachts, noticeably Sookie & Zingara coming very close to one another on different tacks before bearing away. Once the yachts were safely across the line and into open water they headed round the island before setting their easterly course towards Lagos. Rally Control's Lyall and Kieran made their way to the North East of the island where they spotted the fleet sailing away into the distance, a great sight and a great feeling for us both. After close to 2 weeks of cruising through the islands of the Azores there have been so many highpoints for ARC Europe, these really are beautiful islands with beautiful people that really welcome you. Small islands but very big hearts! As the small print said on the welcome letter when yachts arrived into Horta - the Azores may well capture your heart forever…