It has been a hot and sunny fun few days in Lagos since the yachts arrived from the Azores. Crews have been topping up their tans at the marina swimming pool and enjoying the last few days together as sadly ARC Europe for 2013 has to come to a close. There was a relaxed atmosphere at the crew supper on Saturday night where after a happy hour at the Lighthouse Bar crews took the short walk over the sand dunes to Linda's Beach Bar for dinner. The music of Taylor Swift soon got the party mood going and there was even a little limbo action.
Last night was the formal closure to what has been a fantastic ARC Europe. Crews were invited by the Marina de Lagos, Ingrid and Martinho Fortunato, for drinks on the patio at the Waypoint restaurant and then to sit down to a wonderful 3 course dinner with plenty of wine flowing. It is not only the prizegiving for the 14 Leg 3 (Santa Maria-Lagos) yachts but a chance for those here to take a look and be reminded about all of the yachts that have been a part of ARC Europe this year but who for different reasons are not here in Lagos.
Accompanying a slideshow which showed photos of the boats and crews many of the yachts that were not here sent in 'telegrams' which were read out by the Director of World Cruising Club, Andrew Bishop. We gave a position update and heard from the 3 yachts currently at sea making their way from the Azores to the UK, Alice in Red, Ayama and Peat Smoke, and they received a hearty round of applause and well wishes for the remainder of their journey north.
A particularly big cheer went up for Mad Fish - a family yacht that has been a great part of the rally with 2 of the youngest (and most competitive!) crew members Ethan and Oli and who really got into the spirit of the rally all the way through. They are currently in Ponta Delgada but Ethan's 'telegram' was fantastic and closed by saying 'We hope you all keep in touch, if anyone catches a bigger fish than us you have got to let us know and send the picture!'
Each yacht received a memento from the Marina de Lagos which is a book of artwork by a local artist, it's a great souvenir and crews all signed the inside covers. Whilst collecting their prizes we could update everyone on future sailing plans which range from staying here in Lagos, to returning to the Azores, into the Med to Spain, Italy, France, there are yachts visiting Morocco and those that will soon be returning to World Cruising Club taking part in the ARC+ in Las Palmas in November.
In terms of the results the Class B yachts stood out and on corrected time it was a very close finish with only 28 minutes seperating the top 3 yachts. The Hawaiian crew of Kailani, with no engine hours on this leg, had a great sail over and were very excited to take the 1st place title. The skipper Nik also received a new umbrella - a prize for being Best 'Torrero' at the bull running in the Azores where his old umbrella was destroyed by the bull!
It is always hard to draw a line under ARC Europe and it is sad that it has to come to a close, particularly when a lot of good friendships and memories have been made in the past 7 weeks. As was mentioned to the crews last night, with it being a multi-leg event it is easy to forget that all of the ARC Europe yachts have just sailed across the Atlantic which is a massive achievement.
A huge congratulations to all the skippers and crews that have made ARC Europe the special and unique event it is and welcome to the World Cruising Club family. Safe sailing in the future, look out for the yellow shirts on the docks!
Rally Control standing by on 72!