A wonderful and informative programme was set in the special and historical city of Plymouth allowing time for all the crews to meet each other at Mayflower Marina.
Safety equipment inspections and check-ins were completed onboard the six yachts taking part on this 30th edition of ARC Portugal.
After a welcome and crew supper on opening day, there was an operational briefing where crews learn more details about the rally, programmes and tours offered along the coast of the Iberian Peninsula, a skippers' briefing with more details about the route and the fine weather and sailing conditions they can expect for the crossing.
On Friday, a dinner was held at the Duke of Cornwall hotel, a Victorian Gothic style building, leaving the Saturday free for final preparations, rest or local exploring.
The ARC Portugal yachts have 550NM to enjoy ahead of them, with the first yachts expected to make landfall in Bayona on Wednesday.
A big thank you to Mayflower Marina General Manager Charles Bush and his great team for hosting the ARC Portugal fleet during the run up to the start.