Welcome to Horta! Arriving at 0420 local time, just before the dawn revealed the top of nearby Pico mountain, the Voyage 440 catamaran 'Easy Rider' claimed line honours and David & Soy and their crew Kristian and Martin were very pleased to arrive - they were running dangerously low on gin!
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They are the first of the arrivals that took the start line in Bermuda 11 days ago and they commented on some great sailing conditions on the 1800 mile passage. From light wind sailing with the screacher up, reading books and relaxing in the sun to arriving early this morning in full wet weather gear, reefed down as the northerly winds piped up. As other crews have also mentioned in their log books they were often accompanied by dolphins and the occassional whale which was a treat.
They were soon joined in the marina by 'Windwalker IV', the Hylas 47 sailed by Debbie & John and Darren. The trio had a great crossing and were pleased to have taken the northerly route from Bermuda. Of the start in St. George's harbour John said, "We did make a bit of hash of it, still hoisting the mainsail up as we crossed the line!" But they have certainly more than made up for it and are the first monohull to cross the finish. In fact their arrival, was timed perfectly just in time for breakfast and were soon whisked off to nearby Cafe Volga for a shrimp omelette and several coffees.
Aswell as greeting the ARC Europe yachts after their crossing it's always a pleasure to bump into previous participants from other World Cruising Club events. It's been great to say hello to the crew from 'Kalliope', World ARC 2010/11, and 'Juba' World ARC 2012/13.