The rally briefing for ARC Portugal 2018 took place Friday evening at the Plymouth Albion Rugby Club. Here, Andrew Bishop explained that the idea for ARC Portugal came from a cruise he took down the coast of Portugal in the late eighties. The friendliness of the Portuguese, the fine wine, unlimited sardines and the beauty of the countryside and towns along this rarely visited coast inspired the idea for a cruise-in-company.
After the briefing, the crews mingled while having their complimentary glass of wine. They were then asked to have a seat at one of the circular tables as dinner was ready to be served. A fine buffet was served to sixty five participants, well enjoyed by all. It was great to see so many participants making such strong bonds so early in the rally!
All final little jobs on board the boats were finished yesterday and once the skippers briefing was over everyone made their way back to the marina, excited for the start!
Another sunny day in Plymouth as we waved goodbye Sunday morning to the 18 yachts taking part of the start of the first leg of ARC Portugal 2018 with 550 NM from Plymouth, UK to Bayona in North West Spain.
The Rear Commodore Home from the Royal Plymouth Corinthian Yacht Club, Roger hoisted the start signal flags as the yachts set off in a light South-East 8-13 knots breeze. The fleet congregated on the Southern end of the start line where a slightly stronger breeze was apparent. The first across the line was the German flag, Sweden Yachts 340 Miss Julia, skippered by Elmo Feil.
For the Biscay crossing the winds will increase slightly to 15-20 knots which will make this year not a fast but very comfortable crossing, with the first yachts expected to arrive in Bayona on Thursday 7th.
World Cruising Club would like to thank Mayflower Marina for all their support in the lead up to the start, and look forward to returning next year.
To follow the progress of the ARC Portugal fleet, please click here