It was Prizegiving night for the ARC Europe fleet in Ponta Delgada on the island of São Miguel. To rapturous applause the awards were read out by Event Manager, Andrew Pickersgill, and presented by Marina Manager, Victoria Nunes, assisted by Isabel who has welcomed all the boats into the marina office.
The 1900 NM crossing from St Georges, Bermuda to Horta, Azores, Leg 2 of the rally, met with unusual conditions this year. Having experienced flat calm waters on the start it was unfortunately a trend to continue throughout the journey resulting in a slower passage then usual. However, the fun competition continues, and the awards were read out.
The Multihulls division was won by the super sleek Outremer 51, Moxie. She was followed by New L’attitude in 2nd place, Queso Grande II 3rd and SeaDweller 4th.
Winner for Cruising Division Class C was taken by Sea Hayes followed by Epiphany in 2nd and Island Wanderer 3rd.
Cruising Division Class B winners were Ariel 1st, Gian 2nd and Bistari 3rd.
White Night took first place for the Cruising Division Class A and were followed by Be Love in 2nd and Mojito 3rd.
Due to the light winds the committee decided to add an extra award for those in the fleet who finished after the final time, and these were taken by Chiron in 1st place and Seaside II 2nd.
Additionally, each boat was awarded with a commemorative plaque to congratulate their gallant achievements of crossing the Atlantic with ARC Europe. The plaques were kindly donated by the Tourist Authorities in the Azores.
The venue for the prizegiving was held in a very fitting venue called Cais da Sardinha which overlooks the harbour in Ponta Delgada. After a traditional starter of local cheeses, everyone tucked into a buffet dinner served with local wines and the evening grew into quite a party.
A skippers briefing will be presented today along with a weather briefing prior to the fleet’s departure for Lagos, mainland Portugal, tomorrow, Friday 14 June.