The World ARC fleet joined back together on the Panamanian
island of Contadora, in the Las Perlas Islands.
Was a short programme on this small island – but enough to
get together and have a bit more fun before sailing off to Galapagos.
The programme started with a Welcome Drink at the beach bar
in front of the Hotel Perla Real , base of Rally Control in Contadora, and the
following morning the World ARC Hash Run around the island, leading 40 of the
World ARC crews on foot to explore the interior of the island. It was a great
way to visit the island and get together.
The skipper’s briefing for Galapagos took place in a local church
100 mt from the Hotel before a BBQ back on the beach with a short prize giving
for Leg 2, from Santa Marta to San Blas.
First place in the Cruising Division was the UK yacht Alcedo
in Class A and Canadian boat Belafonte in Class B. Do Over was the first
catamaran on corrected time in the multihull division.
This morning, the World ARC fleet headed off on their first
journey across the Pacific. It was a busy start with many boats choosing to fly
spinnakers and gennakers in the 15/20 knots northerly breeze. The crews
appeared very competitive and the fleet crossed the line with perfect timing
The conditions for the leg are expected to be typical for
the area and time of year. Stronger north-north-easterly winds will help the
boats sail south, but the yachts are expected to sail out of this area of
better wind within 48 hrs. Hopefully soon after though, they will be
sufficiently south and west to start to benefit from light south east trades,
blowing into the equator
The port of entry for the fleet in Galapagos is Baquerizo
Moreno on the easterly Galapagos island of San Cristobal. The crew are expected
to be welcomed in by the Rally Control team and their yacht agents in Galapagos
during the later half of next week.
Follow the fleet here .