The penultimate day before the start of World ARC 2014-15 from Rodney Bay Saint Lucia was always anticipated to be a busy day, and a busy day it is turning out to be. The morning kicked off early with a seminar from World Cruising Club weather ‘guru’ Chris Tibbs who delivered an informative talk on Emergencies at Sea. This is of course a very insightful seminar to attend as participants prepare to embark upon an circumnavigation. Chris covered a variety of subtopics including rig failures and solutions, water ingress, Man over board, rudder loss, injuries to crew and heavy weather issues.
‘It was a great way to jog my memory of how to deal with emergencies at sea and made me aware of all the possibilities when you are out there in the middle of nowhere’ Heather Shoosmith, Yacht Adela. Following Chris’ seminar the skippers briefing took place at 10:45 where Event Manager Paul Tetlow provided information for leg 1 of World ARC covering the start line procedures, the weather forecast and arrival into the San Blas Islands some 1100NM away. This was the very last chance for skippers and owners to finalize any paperwork regarding crew changes, ratings, and communication amendments before setting off just 24 hours later.
Paul Tetlow delivers the skipper briefing for Leg 1 of World ARC 2014-15
This evening is the final social function to be held at the Royal by Rex Resorts. This final event here in Saint Lucia is set be an excellent event kindly hosted by the Saint Lucia Tourist Board. We anticipate it to be a perfect end to what has been a very successful beginning to World ARC, and we hope to see all crews in attendance for the last party in Saint Lucia.
‘The week leading up to the start of World ARC has run very smoothly and I am genuinely excited about what lies ahead.’ – Silvano, Yacht Festina Lente