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15 months ago, the World ARC 2015-16 fleet set out from Saint Lucia to sail around the world. Amongst the crews were many nationalities, backgrounds and reasons for taking part. Since then, they have sailed well over 26,000 nautical miles, crossed 3 oceans and visited more than 17 countries. As they arrived back in Saint Lucia, they have joined the special band of circumnavigators who have sailed the world on their own boats, and, perhaps more importantly, become a family bonded together by hundreds of shared experiences to last a lifetime of reflection.
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The final day of the voyage was always going to be one of mixed emotion; pleasure and pride at the achievement, but also sadness for the end of the adventure. The Parade of Sail and official Prize Giving ceremony provided a fitting finish and the sight of the fleet parading up the coast of Saint Lucia accompanied by local boats, members of the Saint Lucia Yacht Club, media and supporters of World ARC in Saint Lucia was an emotional moment for many. A fresh north-north-east breeze made for a lively sail along the coast, some choosing to reef down to control their speed in the line astern formation which was kept very well given the often blustery conditions. Crossing the finish line, that had been their start line fifteen months before, marked an end to the circumnavigation with World ARC as they were each personally congratulated by Andrew Bishop, Managing Director of World Cruising Club. "Completing a circumnavigation is a very special moment, and to be here to welcome and congratulate our World ARC participants is always a great experience, especially with a group that has bonded so closely." After berthing at the IGY Rodney Bay Marina there was high emotion on the dock at a short drinks reception hosted by the marina, where the participants were welcomed back by IGY Rodney bay Marina Manager Paul Ash, and Andrew Bishop.
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The Saint Lucia Tourist Board hosted a really enjoyable prize giving dinner in the evening, where crews were welcomed back to Saint Lucia by the Honourable Lorne Theophilius, Minister for Tourism, Heritage and the Creative Industries in Saint Lucia, who said how pleased he was to see World ARC's return to the country's shores. The evening of celebration continued with superb food, and after-dinner dancing late into the night which was a splendid way to end 15 months of challenge, excitement and fun.
The crews have been spoilt with some beautiful, fascinating and welcoming places all around the globe but speaking on the dockside, all agreed that it will be their friends from the rally that they will miss most as they go their separate ways. "
Sailing round the world with World ARC was amazing, especially the people we met and the places we visited. The experience has been like sailing around the world with friends." Said Kristofer Oliversson of the Icelandic flagged Najad 529,
Hugur, "
One of the highlights has been visiting islands in the middle of the oceans that people just don't get to!" Exploring the world together as a 'World ARC family' has made all those experiences into truly special memories to be treasured for years to come.