World ARC: Last days in the Galapagos
by World Cruising Club 27 Feb 2018 00:51 PST
World ARC 2018 - Galapagos - Sea Lions © World Cruising
The World ARC 2018 fleet are in their final few days before departure and after a fun time exploring the Galapagos Islands of San Cristobal, Isabela and Santa Cruz, the work has begun to prepare for the longest leg of the Rally route, across to the Marquesas Islands of French Polynesia.
The fleet have gathered back together at the commercial centre of the Galapagos Islands, Puerto Ayora. The town offers some good restaurants, reasonable provisioning options but little by way of boat parts and spares. During the weekend, many of the fleet have been resupplying essential supplies such as gas, diesel, gasoline and water and at the same time extra provisions have been bought in the local markets and stores.
But it has not been all work and the crews got together tonight for a Prizegiving at Hernan Café and Crew Supper at the Il Giardino Restaurant, on Puerto Ayora's main street. Prizes were awarded for the last leg from Panama to Galapagos, with X-Yachts Lunatix and Aranui taking the 1st places on the cruising monohull divisions, Class A and B respectively. Class results can be checked here. There were also several fun prizes including for the ETA competition and the Equator themed photo competition. Well done to all taking part on Leg 3!
The programme in Puerto Ayora continues with resupplies of water on Tuesday, before immigration check out on Wednesday morning and the start at 1200LT (UTC -6). But still time for crews to take in a last look at the superb flora and fauna of the Galapagos islands, visiting Tortuga Beach or venture into the highlands, or even to closer Islands like Floreana.