It
has been a busy but extremely enjoyable and interesting ARC+ programme in Cape
Verde islands of São Vicente and Santo Antão which concluded last night with a
lively Farewell Function and Prizegiving in the old fish market from Mindelo.
All ARC+ crews got together and were entertained with a local music and dance
group Mandinga. It is a
dramatic display with the warrior-like dancers performing energetic dances
holding weapons of war and covered in black tar.
After
the welcome drinks all the crews stood excitedly to learn who had managed the
podium positions of first, second and third in each of the four categories.
There was a lively atmosphere and crews congratulated one another with great
energy. Check the results here
Following
the Prizegiving, Stefano Palumbo thanked those in the city who had helped make
the fleets stay so successful. He thanked the Marina Mindelo for having the
fleet, and for the helpful and cheerful way its staff had helped the crews
during their stay, Immigration and Maritime Police for their cooperation during
ARC+ stay and last but not least the local charity SOS Aldeias.
SOS
Aldeias is a non-profit organisation that works with single mothers, and for
their children, to improve their quality of life by developing skills and
trades to support their families. The group provided the dancing and
entertainment during the evening and also the Cape Verdean traditional dish Cachupa to feed the ARC+ crews.
It
was a great evening and a fitting finale to the crews time in Mindelo. Today
the crews prepare to restart to Saint Lucia with yachts crossing the starting
line at 1245 and 1300 local time (UTC-1).