At 1200 St Lucian local time, 33 yachts crossed the start line of World ARC 2018 in Rodney Bay St Lucia. The start marked the culmination of a week of preparatory activities as the yachts and crews readied themselves for the adventure of a lifetime. Four late starters will follow on their 815 nautical mile passage to Santa Marta in Colombia shortly once last minute minor technical problems have been resolved.
Early morning activity on the pontoons had already given away that today was somewhat different. As crews prepared themselves for departure there were no signs of nerves at the prospect of the long journey around the world which lay ahead, and surprisingly few indications of sore heads from last night’s fabulous Farewell Party hosted by the St Lucia Tourism Authority at the Bay Gardens Resort on the beach a short distance from the Marina. At the event, St Lucia’s Minister of Tourism, Information and Broadcasting Hon Dominic Fedee bade the participants farewell and emphasized the economic benefits and other significance of their stay in St Lucia. The atmosphere of the party was testament to the strong sense of community that has already formed amongst the Rally’s 138 participants. Read more.
