Wednesday's schedule for the World ARC 2016 fleet in Saint Lucia was
packed with briefings about the Rally so that crews could learn more about
their exciting year ahead. But when all the work was done, crews were invited
by the management team of IGY Rodney Bay Marina to Welcome Drinks.
Paul Ash, Marina Manager of IGY Rodney Bay Marina, welcomed
the crews to the Marina and wished them well on their circumnavigation. ‘And for those of you completing a
circumnavigation with this World ARC, we look forward to seeing you back in
this marina next April too’. The evening drinks reception was a pleasant end to an informative day of
briefings and seminars.
Today, the morning kicked off with a seminar from World Cruising Club
weatherman 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 a circumnavigation. Chris covered a variety of subtopics
including rig failures and solutions, water ingress, MOB, rudder loss, injuries
to crew and heavy weather issues.
Following the morning seminar the skippers' briefing took place with Andrew
Bishop providing information for the first leg of World ARC covering start line
procedures and arrival into Santa Marta, 815NM away. Chris Tibbs talked about weather and expected conditions for the next 7 days. This was
the very last chance for skippers and owners to finalize paperwork
regarding crew changes, ratings, and communications equipment before setting
off just 24 hours later.
This evening is the final social function hosted
by the Saint Lucia Tourist Board to be held at the Royal St Lucia at Reduit Beach where the crews will be wished bon voyage for the start of their great adventure with World ARC. 'The atmosphere established amongst the crews this week is electric and bodes well for a great rally ahead, whether it be to Australia, or all the way round for the circumnavigators of the fleet' comments World Cruising Club Managing Director Andrew Bishop.