This morning 19 ARC Portugal yachts made their way out of the Monte Real Yacht Club in Bayona and across the start line at 10.30 for Leg 2 of the rally to Póvoa Do Varzim in Portugal. It was looking to be a very light wind start with some rain squalls closing in on the committee boat once at anchor however the rain held off and the wind filled in to allow for a great sail across the start with a good 8-12kts from the South-East. The boats will now sail South across the border into Portugal arriving at Póvoa Do Varzim this evening, where they will be greeted once again by the Rally team.
First across the line was Simon Phillips’ Discovery 55’ Casamara, followed very closely behind by Webster and then Valhalla. Good speeds were made over the start and with a fairly short start line; it made for an impressive site. Some local fisherman had a great view of the fleet departing, as did some members for the Yacht Club as they walked along the breakwater to witness the start. We hope the fleet have a good sail South, albeit with some prevailing headwinds
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