Yachters from the World ARC Pacific expressed satisfaction with the hearty accommodation and hospitality extended to the crews by local organizers before setting out on their global adventure.
And they were off last Saturday! The World ARC Pacific 2023 fleet left Rodney Bay, Saint Lucia for the first leg of their journey to Santa Marta in Colombia.
After a week of preparations, seminars and parties in Rodney Bay they were ready and raring to get going for the start of their adventure. The docks were buzzing and excitement was in the air as everyone got ready to set sail and said their goodbyes until they reconvene in Santa Marta.
It was a spectacular sight as the fleet of 28 boats crossed the start line at 1200 local time with the bay dotted with sails as they made their way along the coast of the island and around the turning buoy before disappearing over the horizon. The mood at the start was jubilant with horns tooting and crews waving to their fellow boats and the World ARC team who had joined them on the water as they prepared to start.
More than 30 people went out on the water to support the start of the rally including local media, representatives from the Saint Lucia Tourism Authority [SLTA], Events Company Saint Lucia and members of the Ministry of Tourism. They were accompanied on the start line by the Marine Police on their vessel ‘Protector’, with the Race Committee onboard.
Leading the fleet across the line was Jadamama, a Nautitech 46 Open in the Multihull division skippered by Maurice Mason. They were closely followed by Szel, a Sundeer 64 from the UK and Seaside, a German flagged Hanse 575 in the Cruising division.
According to a World Cruising Club (WCC) spokesperson, the boats will now sail west towards Colombia heading for Santa Marta on the South American coast, a distance of around 815NM which should take them between 4 to 5 days.
“Life at sea will be quite a change of pace from the last week before departure and they will be hoping for good trade wind conditions to send them on their way,” adds the WCC official.
Prior to the departure, the crews from World ARC Pacific gathered at the farewell party, held at Sea Grapes Restaurant, Bay Gardens Resort for the final exchanges before departing on their global journey.
Last Thursday, the evening rounded off with plenty of music and dancing to celebrate their final get together before they meet at the start line last Saturday ( February, 18) and then on to the first stopover, in Santa Marta, Colombia.
SLTA’s Public Relations Manager, Geraine Georges described the yachters’ expedition as an “incredible journey around the world”.
She acknowledged the input of the World Cruising Club (WWC) for “continuing to be a leader in organizing prominent global sailing events and for choosing Saint Lucia as the home for their various legs of ARC”.
The SLTA official said, due to the demand for participation, the World ARC Pacific serves as another leg of the World ARC.
Said Georges: “As you get ready set to sail on February, 18 …you are bringing to life a unique adventure, one that you will literary have the opportunity to explore the world from the deck of your boats, taking in some of the most beautiful scenery and interesting cultures.”
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