Santa Maria - the penultimate stopover

The ARC Europe fleet are now in Santa Maria having sailed overnight yesterday from the beautiful island of Sao Miguel to Santa Maria, the rally’s penultimate stopover before reaching Portugal next week. The fleet sailed as part of the Acoriano Oriental Yacht Race, of which 8 ARC Europe boats participated in and 4 local boats. 

Winds were ideal with no yacht needing to use their engine during the crossing, even after a fairly slow start. A consistent 15kts from the beam provided the fleet with a quick passage from Ponta Delgada, with the first yacht to cross the finish line, yacht Sookie followed closely behind by Zingara. The crews enjoyed a late night/early morning tipple on the dock before retiring to their cabins. Rally control were on the docks to greet the fleet as they arrived, and help take their lines. 

    

Having now cruised the Azores, ARC Europe prepares for their departure at 1200 tomorrow to Lagos in Portugal. Conditions look favourable for the passage ahead and we look forward to being reunited with some other rally boats there after some headed there early from other islands. We hope to have 20 yachts in Lagos for the final prize giving on 17 June. 

Tonight we see the awards ceremony for the Acoriano Oriental Yacht Race here in Santa Maria. The drumming parade has just begun and festivities are underway with many local people gathering in the various bars for tonight’s big football match between Germany Vs Portugal.