With only two days until the start of the 9th ARC+ there’s an air of excitement and plenty of activity on the docks as skippers and crews from the 72 boats from 21 countries make their final preparations before the start to Mindelo, Cape Verde on Sunday 7 November. As usual in the final few days before the big adventure, the hustle and bustle of companies delivering provisions direct to boats, as well as local services helping with last minute repairs and checks on board created a lively atmosphere and buzz around the docks!
For the first time, the rally will be finishing on the spice island of Grenada and yesterday afternoon, participants were able to come together in person to listen to a presentation given by Zara Tremlett, Marina Manager at Camper & Nicholsons Port Louis Marina, and Nikoyan Roberts, Manager Nautical Development for Grenada Tourism Authority. As part of the rally’s comprehensive seminar programme, which is also available to ARC+ crews online, World Cruising Club’s Director, Andrew Bishop hosted the popular event on Zoom and after whetting participants appetites ahead of their arrival in the Caribbean, took questions from both those at the Metropole Club venue and from others watching remotely.
The Grenada preview was well attended and offered plenty of practical tips and useful information, assuring participants that they will receive a very warm Grenadian welcome after their transatlantic crossing.
Overlooking the historic capital of St Georges and designed to reflect the traditional Creole architecture, Camper & Nicholsons Port Louis Marina is no stranger to World Cruising Club as it has been the stopover port for World ARC since 2009. The marina has plenty of good facilities and services on site and is well placed to explore the beautiful waters and anchorages close by, as well as some of the best cruising grounds in the Caribbean, before crews head northwards.
Zara Tremlett from Camper & Nicholsons Port Louis Marina confirmed that all participants will receive two days complimentary berthing following their required quarantine period, which was great news for all: “Everyone here is super excited to welcome the first ARC+ yachts and as a premium marina we are well used to hosting international sailing events such as this. We look forward to making sure everyone feels at home at Port Louis Marina and that they have a fantastic stay with us.”
Also promising a warm welcome, Nikoyan Roberts, Manager Nautical Development for Grenada Tourism Authority Minister included an alluring video in her presentation before answering questions from the audience. Showing the unspoilt natural beauty of the tri-island ‘Pure Grenada’ destination of Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique, crews learnt what delights are awaiting them after their arrival. This included a host of wonderful adventures, exciting cuisine (it’s famed for its nutmeg, aromatic spices and organic chocolate), lush tropical rain forests and waterfalls to explore, as well as some of the best dive sites in the Caribbean. The ‘Pure Grenada’ experience beckons!