The ARC Portugal 2013 office opened today in Mayflower Marina today. 16 yachts have checked-in already, with a fully booked day of safety inspections underway. Our safety inspector Rob Gaffney, has been impressed with the safety standard thus far and hopes to have all inspections correctly completed over the next 24hours. Owners and crew have taken safety seriously; this isn't just a case of buying the right equipment, but also thinking about how it will be used in an emergency.
Gary Clements, owner of Arcarius of Plymouth has recently completed the offshore sea safety course in preparation for ARC Portugal and it clearly showed, explaining he had put all suitable lessons learned into practise onboard his Southerly 110 with his crew.
Rally flags have been hoisted and yachts are beginning to dress overall as they get into the spirit of ARC Portugal. With over fifty participants here already, the atmosphere on the dock on this first day is as lively as ever. The first official social function on Friday evening at the Royal Albion Rugby Club is sure to be a great occasion, with an introduction briefing followed by a curry supper and complimentary drinks in the Seddon Suite. This will be an ideal opportunity for the crews to meet and mingle for the first time as they begin their adventure with us as we cruise in company to Portugal.
