Fifty-five ARC+ boats have now arrived into IGY Rodney Bay Marina in St Lucia, after a busy start to what will most definitely be a busy week. Overnight arrivals continued to trickle in, and after a 2100NM passage, berthing a boat in the middle of the night into a busy marina can prove daunting, but with the assistance of the ARC team, along with very helpful dock staff, each rally boat is guided to a suitable slip. Even after this long and windless trip across an ocean, the taste of a cold rum punch and a warm smiley welcome is enough to turn any tiring sailor into a giddy child.
This evening the Saint Lucia Tourist Board and World Cruising Club hosted a Welcome Cocktail for the ARC+ crews. Minister of Tourism of the Saint Lucia Dominic Fedee, and General Manager of IGY Rodney Bay Marina, Sean Deveaux, welcomed the fleet to the island and marina wishing the crews a great stay. The crews were reminded that they are always welcome. Andrew Bishop, Managing Director of World Cruising Club, thanked Dominic and Sean for their welcome and reminded the fleet of those still at sea.
The Prize-giving Party for the ARC+ fleet will be held on Wednesday which will be followed by the early arrivals party for the ARC fleet. Follow the progress of the last ARC+ boats and ARC’s arrivals on the Fleet Viewer here.