During the last few days the World ARC yachts have been gathering at the delightful Capella Marina at Marigot Bay, Saint Lucia, to enjoy a social programme ashore and to prepare for the Parade of Sail to Rodney Bay on Saturday. This, along with a dinner in the evening will mark the end of World ARC 2014-15. For the last few weeks the boats have been enjoying a free cruising period, visiting wonderful anchorages in the Windward Islands but they are now benefiting from being alongside or on a mooring buoy in this small but well serviced marina.
On Wednesday evening the crews got together for Welcome Drinks hosted by the Capella Marina. After a few weeks of free cruising there was a bit of catching up to do, as well as meeting old friends who were involved in previous legs of the Rally and who have flown in to re-join their boats as crew for the end of Rally festivities.
Tonight was another pleasant evening; this time at the Capella Hotel, adjacent to the marina. Crews sat down for food overlooking the bay at Marigot. It was good to be spending time with one another before crews sail and fly their different ways next week.
Tomorrow the yachts will complete a Parade of Sail to cross a symbolic finish line in Rodney Bay from where many of the boats started from 15 months ago. It will be a big day, which will conclude with a final dinner and party in the evening.
The circle is almost complete!