Today Saint Lucia cheerfully welcomed the first arrival of the ARC+ fleet, X-612 Nix after a fast 2100NM passage from Mindelo, Cape Verde. Crossing the finish line at 14:51:18 LT (UTC -4) making an elapsed time of 10 days 4 hours 51 minutes 18 seconds.
Skipper Nico and crew on board were in great spirits having enjoyed their passage even under a reduced sail after ripping their main during reefing on day 9. ‘Constant tradewind conditions since we left Mindelo between 20-25 knots with occasional squalls and gusts blowing up to 35-40 knots. Even so we always had our sit down dinner! Albeit losing our second genoa and spinnaker we were able to keep up our speed and never got under 10 knots.’
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As Nix sailed across the ARC+ finish line, the crew were welcomed and congratulated by David and Chrisholm manning the Finish Line and later by Rally Control who assisted them to their berth inside IGY Rodney Bay Marina. Once lying safely alongside the dock, the Saint Lucia Tourism Board represented by Public Relations' Manager John Emmanuel greeted the crew to 'Wonderful Saint Lucia' with an ice-cold rum punch and local souvenirs. The local TVs and Radio were also looking forward for the first arrival on ARC+ and hearing all about Nix's adventures.
The boats Adrienne II, Lir and El Gato followed Nix arriving in Saint Lucia approximately 1 hour apart.
Further arrivals are expected throughout the weekend at IGY Rodney Bay Marina. Follow the fleet tracker for the latest positions and estimated finish times.