Transatlantic Rally sets sail from Nanny Cay, Tortola, BVIs

transatlantic_rally-small

transatlantic_rally-largePerfect conditions greeted the start of World Cruising Club's transatlantic sailing rally ARC Europe yesterday, as the fleet crossed the start line just off Nanny Cay Marina, Tortola, at midday local time.

Under a warm Caribbean sun and with steady 10-15 knot ENE breeze, the downwind start made for a colourful sight, with cruising chutes flying as crews enjoyed the perfect conditions as they set off on the first day of their Atlantic sailing adventure. The first stage of the rally often has some of the best weather conditions encountered on the 'Atlantic circuit' and forecasts for the passage to Bermuda predict some good sailing.

The ARC Europe route takes the yachts a total of some 3625 miles eastwards across the Atlantic Ocean from Tortola in the British Virgin Islands, to their final destination of Lagos in southern Portugal, stopping in Bermuda and the Azores along the way.

As with all World Cruising Club events, a comprehensive social programme has also been planned in each stopover. This week, in the build up to the start, the participants have enjoyed the evening functions, and have already got to know each other well at the various barbecues and dinners arranged, in a welcome break from preparing their boats for the crossing.

Nanny Cay Marina, Tortola was the starting port for ARC Europe for the second year, although the rally has been taking place for over twenty years. World Cruising Club Director Andrew Bishop, "All our crews have enjoyed a great stay here in Nanny Cay, and we're pleased to confirm our commitment to this new home for the event and look forward to coming back again next year. General Manager Miles Sutherland Pilch and his team have worked hard to look after the visitors, and Nanny Cay has proved to be a perfect facility from which to prepare for an Atlantic passage."

Also starting out for Bermuda yesterday were a contingent from St.Augustine, Florida, where the yacht crews have been hosted by the St.Augustine Yacht Club. The St.Augustine starters "Alma de Sal" and "Fizz of Cowes" will have a similar distance to cover to reach Bermuda where they will meet up with the rest of the fleet before continuing their passage towards the Azores.

 

Related Articles

Velux 5 Oceans – Sprint 5 sets sail from Charleston

Velux 5 Oceans – Sprint 5 sets sail from Charleston

The Velux 5 Oceans Sprint 5 will begin today from Charleston SC (USA). The four skippers that remain will set off towards La Rochelle, France to complete a global circumnavigation back to where they began their journeys on October 17, 2010.

The skippers are Brad Van Liew (USA), Zbigniew ‘Gutek’ Gutkowski (POL), Derek Hatfield (CAN) and Chris Stanmore-Major (GB). Brad will secure overall victory in the race as long as he successfully completes the final leg. Derek and Hatfield are tied on points and the battle between them to decide second and third on the podium will be fierce.

Skyline Marina Presents – LADIES AT THE HELM! July 8 & 9/11 Bayport Marina

Skyline Marina Presents – LADIES AT THE HELM! July 8 & 9/11 Bayport Marina

LADIES ONLY! This is an opportunity to learn how to be comfortable behind the helm of your boat.

Join us at the second annual LADIES AT THE HELM and spend some time learning the basic handling skills that will make you more able at the helm and give you a better understanding of how to manoeuvre a pleasure boat.

Our expert instructors, on beautiful Sea Ray boats – both single engine and twin engine with Axius – Joystick technology, will make docking and general operation a much less daunting task and, with some practice, there’s no reason for you not to feel comfortable in taking your friends out for an afternoon on the water.

Go, Kingston, Go!

Go, Kingston, Go!

If the sailing gods look fondly, the Kingston team's efforts to land the ISAF Worlds in 2014 will be a tremendous win for Canada and for the Americas. The awarding of this event will allow the foundation for building the sport that is needed so badly here. Jamie Fraser, Marianne Davis and Tim Irwin all are owed a huge vote of praise and thanks for creating such an impressive bid. We hope the very best for them and for all of us who want to see sailing grow.

Video Gallery

Pursuit S268 Sport CC

By Andy Adams

The Pursuit S 268 Sport centre console is a do-it-all kind of boat with a solid sense of style. Centre console designs have been developed for the southern blue water sport fishing enthusiasts (and this boat would raise fish with the best of them) but the Pursuit S 268 Sport centre console offers far more utility and enjoyment than just fishing.

Read More

Destinations

Bayfield Marine Turns 40 with Big April Events

(l to r) Holly, Adam, Pat, Ron, Shelley

Ron and Pat Reder started out in October 1984 across the road from where they are right now on the Bayfield River in Bayfield ON. The store front was about 10 x 20 and the rest of that side of the building was a stock room, wood finishing room, then behind that was more back stock and the lunchroom. Expanding every few years for the store front, then moving over to this new building five years ago, this year with Adam, Shelley, and Holly are carrying on the business.

Read More

Lifestyle