;)
Light winds dominated the start for ARC Europe here early Saturday afternoon. However, it still made for an impressive sight as 24 ARC Europe boats sailed passed the committee vessel, heading West down the Sir Francis Drake Channel before heading North for the 850nm passage to Bermuda.
The fleet really got into the spirit of the rally as they all sailed across the line, with many attempting to fill their cruising chutes whilst not being deterred by the prevailing light winds. Chiscos was the first to hoist their pink parasailor. M.R Stefanik, Purrr-fect and Pinta also followed up from behind, flying their colourful chutes.
Nora Simrad was first across the line as it snuck in very close to the committee boat, followed by the welsh team onboard Gwawr, who were only inches behind the Norwegian trio; A Lady third across the line. Unfortunately yacht Sana experienced problems with their engine, having to anchor just outside the channel.
Rally control and our marina manager were onboard the committee vessel and were able to organise the delivery of a new starter motor from Road Town and arrange for a mechanic to go onboard Sana and make the repairs in the afternoon.
;)
As the team from World Cruising Club’s Rally Control cleared up their office, they said: “It has been a most enjoyable stay here in Tortola and the team were very grateful to hear such positive comments coming through on VHF77 from departing participants. We wish you all a great trip to Bermuda with good winds for some fine sailing.”
There was alternative start in Hampton VA, for north American-based yachts, also crossing to Bermuda. From Bermuda the combined rally fleet crosses the Atlantic to the Azores islands. The final leg departs from Ponta Delgada on São Miguel to Marina de Lagos, Portugal, with support provided for yachts heading to northern Europe.
