For eight years, each January there has been a World ARC fleet setting off from either Saint Lucia or Cape Town, to begin or complete its circumnavigation. But 2016 is the second year that World ARC has a fleet in both ports; the 'veterans' in Cape Town are preparing to cross the South Atlantic to Brazil via St Helena, their final ocean crossing on their epic adventure, and the 'newbies' World ARC 2016-17, are assembling in Rodney Bay Marina, Saint Lucia to go off across the Caribbean Sea - the first leg of their 15 month round the world voyage.
In Saint Lucia, it was a busy day both inside and outside the Rally Office today as crews gathered to complete Rally Check-In and meet one another. Crews were eager to begin their adventure, with 10 boats checking-in during the course of the first afternoon. Safety checks are also underway and continue throughout the week. Roy and Elaine Cadman set the bar high onboard Paw Paw, their new Leopard 46 catamaran, impressing the inspection team with their equipment, knowledge and attention to detail.
Over 30 yachts are expected in Saint Lucia and there is a full
programme of social and seminar activities to allow crews to get to know one another and to learn more about their exciting year ahead. Already outside the Rally office there is a buzz of activity as crews introduce themselves to one another and share thoughts about Rally preparations and experiences.
Across on the other side of ‘the pond', the World ARC 2015-16 fleet have been having a fabulous time in Cape Town during Christmas and New Year. Although, several crew members took the chance to fly home to see family and friends during the festive season, there has been plenty of activity for those staying behind. The fleet has assembled at the V&A Waterfront in Cape Town, and are enjoying catching up following the seasonal break, before setting sail for Brasil, via St Helena on Wednesday 6th January.