This morning the ARC Europe yachts had a noisy send off from the marina in Vila do Porto. At the exit to the marina the local scouts and their drumming band played to the boats as they slipped lines and motored out into the bay. It was a nice surprise and final farewell to what has been a very special Azores Cruise.
With the Committee Vessel Mad Fish in place a westerly wind of 10-12 knots provided a downwind start for Leg 3 to Lagos. Fast approaching the start line with a minute to go it was neck and neck between Easy Rider and Lady Ann. With both having to bear away to slow down a little it was Lady Ann who just crossed the start line ahead of Easy Rider followed by La Chunga. The 11 yachts that took the start were soon heading into the distance along the south coast of Santa Maria with 800 miles to go until the finish at Lagos.
Yachts Paraty and Nyctea have a slight headstart on the fleet and with Beatoo setting off from Ponta Delgada in a few days time there will be 14 yachts soon in the Marina de Lagos.
The farewell supper yesterday evening, hosted by the Portos dos Acores, provided regional canapés and wines and the fleet were entertained by the traditional folklore dancers of Santa Maria island. It’s all about crowd participation and soon several participants were selected to join in with the dancing!
All of the participants have been pleasantly surprised by the Azores and each island is very unique in its geography, customs and traditions. The fleet has been spoilt by the Azorean people and their generosity and friendliness. We are certain that word will continue to spread about the Azores as a cruising destination with great facilities for visiting yachts.