After a few very sunny days at Plymouth and a few last minute boat preparations, all yachts were checked out by 0745 and were getting ready to head towards Plymouth Sound for the start of their first leg to Bayona, the longest leg out of the three week rally, roughly 550 nautical miles.
With close to no wind early in the morning the boats were lucky when a force two to three south westerly breeze developed twenty minutes before the start. The yachts did not have a very quick departure but that did not stop them being competitive with a beat across Plymouth Sound. First to cross the line was Dashzani, Hanse 400 followed extremely closely by With Dignity, Dufour 40 Performance.
The fleet is predicted to arrive on Friday, and having examined the weather closely with the team expert Chris Tibbs it is likely that light winds will persist for much of the crossing with easterly winds expected to fill in for the second part of their voyage. Once arrived at Bayona a range of activities and tours await them with a welcoming sangria the night they arrive at the Monte Real Club de Yates.
WCC would like to thank Mayflower Marina, the Royal Corinthian Yacht Club, Plymouth Albion RFC and Horizons Charity for all their support, as ARC Portugal start at Plymouth would not be possible without it. We wish the participants a safe trip and we look forward to seeing them in Bayona.
