 Sunday evening saw the sailors of the Cape to Bahia race gather in the exclusive Yacht Clube da Bahia for a formal prize-giving evening. With its private grounds standing over the bay, it was a superb location for the final reception of the event. The cruising fleet were formally recognized for their efforts, and it was a delighted Kealoha 8 crew that lifted the trophy for cruising class line honours.
ICAP Leopard , Mike Slade's super-maxi smashed the current course record in the 3,400nm event, setting a new time of 10 days, 5 hours & 45 minutes. Her nearest challenger, the maxi Rambler, sailed closer to the rhumb line, but couldn't keep up with the newer boat. Overall, Rambler sailed 3370nm, and Leopard 3440nm. Leopard's best 24 hour run topped off at 401 miles on day 4, whilst Rambler's best daily run was 387 miles on the same day. Average speeds were 14kts for Leopard, 12.63kts for Rambler.
For the World ARC fleet as a whole, it was a celebration of having taken part in the longest single-ocean sailing race in the World. The last time our crews had a chance to sail against other skippers was in the Tahiti Pearl Regatta, and for a heavy cruising fleet, configured for blue water sailing, they once again acquited themselves very well.
The crew most pleased to be attending the evening were those from Cleone, with James Anderson bringing her across the finish line at 4pm local time, giving them enough time to enjoy their welcome, take a long hot shower, and enjoy a bite to eat before catching up with everyone.
Throughout today, a special celebration is taking place on the water, with the festival of Iemanja, Goddess of the Sea. A fleet of small boats left this morning to make offerings in this annual event. Tonight there’s a crew supper on the terrace bar overlooking the pontoons, followed tomorrow by a talk from local sailors about the many places to go cruising Baia de Todos Os Santos.
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