ARC Europe 2024 enjoying Bermuda

The weekend brought the ARC Europe 2024 fleet together, they have had the opportunity to enjoy a full social programme of events in St George’s Harbour, Bermuda.

Beginning with a Happy Hour on Friday evening at local watering hole Wahoo, plenty of Bermuda’s national drink Dark ‘n Stormy was soon flowing. It was a great opportunity for boats joining the rally in Bermuda to meet with fellow crews who just arrived from St Maarten. It was so well attended the road was closed as everyone spilled out onto Water Street.

Saturday evening’s venue was held at St George’s Dinghy and Sports Club who have very kindly supported World Cruising Club for a great number of years. Bringing some 100 participants together, many crews dressed up for the themed Pirate Party which created a fun atmosphere. Keeping to tradition, a rum tasting started the evening’s entertainment. Learning about the production of Goslings Rum - a family run business. Thanks to Managing Director, Andrew Holmes for proving the history behind the business and sharing his extensive knowledge of all there is to know about rum. The evening continued with a delicious BBQ served on the Club’s balcony with a spectacular view of the Harbour and anchorages beyond.

With their high energy dance, enthusiastic drumming and colourful costumes, local dance troop, known as the Gombey’s, opened the evening’s entertainment on Saturday. Returning to St George’s Dinghy and Sports Club, participants gathered for the lively entertainment followed by prizegiving for all those vessels who started the rally in St Maarten, Leg 1.

Division 1, Cruising Class A for monohulls was headed up by Ariel. Class B, was won by Sea Hayes. Multihull Class A’s results were led by Attitude. Prizes were kindly sponsored by Goslings.

A delicious buffet dinner completed the evening but not before huge gratitude and praise was given to all the hard working and dedicated Committee of the Dinghy and Sports Club. By way of thanks a World Cruising Club Burgee was presented by Event Manager, Andrew Pickersgill, to the Club’s returning Commodore, Lacey Rance.

ARC Europe’s time in Bermuda has come round quickly with fuelling taking place tomorrow, and the skippers briefing on Tuesday, before their departure for the Azores on Wednesday at midday.