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La Boheme – click to enlarge
With 28 boats leaving from the BVI, participants in the largest ever ARC Europe fleet are preparing for their departure from Nanny Cay Marina. With one day to go until the start on Thursday at 1200 local time here in Tortola, final preparations are keeping everyone busy. From provisioning to last minute equipment and general boat checks, plus the all-important Customs & Immigration passport check out taking place this afternoon in the ARC Europe office. Later this afternoon a comprehensive Skipper’s Briefing, providing participants with sailing instructions and details of the start sequence, plus a weather forecast and communications briefing will take place at Peg Legs. A sea survival demonstration technique will also be held in the swimming pool at Nanny Cay.
Miles Sutherland-Pilch, general manager at Nanny Cay was on the dock early this morning and commented: “We have been delighted to welcome crews from so many different countries to the marina and to host the ARC Europe fleet for the first time. We look forward to the event returning next year and wish all the participants a safe and happy crossing.”
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Zephyr, a Halberg-Rassey 36, smallest yacht in the ARC Europe fleet – click to enlargeThe Russian entry Gray Lady, a Dixon 72 owned by Boris Fedorov is the largest yacht in the fleet and the smallest, David Clarkson’s Hallberg Rassy 36, Zephyr. Crews from 12 different countries include participants from Australia; France; Germany; Russia; U.S.A, Canada; Belgium; Italy; Portugal; Norway and the largest number from the UK. This year eight yachts will sail doublehanded in the rally with just two crew, including Paul and Andy Atkinson on their Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 49DS, Talulah Ruby II who took part in the World ARC and are returning home to Lanzarote in the Canary Islands.
Bruce Buckley, ARC Europe’s official weather provider forecasts fresh to strong and gusty ESE to easterly winds for the start, helping the rally fleet on their way to Bermuda where they will be joined by four new entries.
The sun is out at Nanny Cay right now but the continued presence of a middle level convergence line that extends from just west of BVI towards the north northwest, is producing wet conditions in and northwest of the BVI area, with isolated thunderstorms. These wet conditions are expected to largely clear within the first 24 hours of the race, although the odd trade wind shower can still be expected over the remainder of the trip northwards.
After a busy day for skippers and crews, everyone will gather together for a farewell buffet supper at Peg Legs this evening.
ARC organizers said that the crews have enjoyed the Nanny Cay stopover as everything they need is in one base: from excellent repair facilities and services on site to friendly and knowledgeable staff. Plus, the marina has “one of the best shower and bathroom facilities ever seen by most crews in any marina – private suites with aircon and designer fittings!”
Peg Legs bar and restaurant, the marina beach and swimming pool plus fitness room and hotel specials for the ARC Europe participants have all added up to a fantastic base for the rally, according to organisers.