World ARC 2018-19 return to St. Lucia arriving at Marigot Bay
by World Cruising Club 10 Apr 2019 22:58 PDT
The World ARC 2018-19 fleet reunites in Marigot Bay, St. Lucia just days before officially completing their circumnavigation of the world! Just this morning Ros and Howard aboard Misto were greeted by a rainbow stretching across the entrance to Marigot Bay- what a beautiful welcome back!
Two weeks of free cruising St Vincent and the Grenadines has proven to be a memorable way to wrap up the 15 month St. Lucia to St. Lucia voyage around the world. World ARC Yachts island hopped some of the most beautiful locations in the Caribbean, each with something special to be discovered. Favourite spots included: Carriacou, Chatham Bay and Clifton in Union Island, Tobago Cay, Salt Whistle Bay and Saline Bay in Mayreau, Canouan, Friendship Bay and Admiralty Bay in Bequia, Mustique and St. Vincent.
Tobago Cay is always one of the most memorable stops as it is an official Marine Park and green turtle nesting area. World ARC participants were delighted by dozens of large sea turtles they were able to snorkel with.
On Bequia, some participants enjoyed an early morning hike and the view from Peggy's Rock. Diving in Bequia was also a highlight for many, large lobsters, healthy, colourful corals and even a seahorse spotted under the sea!
Salt Whistle Bay on the island of Mayreau is postcard picture perfect with a fantastic beach for swimming and relaxing island style. Many World ARC yachts found it to be the "quintessential" Caribbean anchorage.
Wallilabou Bay, St. Vincent is the picturesque location where Disney's "Pirates of the Caribbean" movie was filmed and is a favourite stop for SY Adrienne. After a hike to the nearby waterfall and a swim in its refreshing waters Tanja and Thomas even played the award winning movie on board that night!
The official World ARC programme in St. Lucia includes a reunion dinner in Marigot Bay on Thursday, followed by the Parade of Sail to Rodney Bay on Saturday. The celebration of completion of World ARC 2018-19 will be on Saturday night at the Royal St. Lucia Hotel and attended by many local dignitaries who warmly welcome the World ARC fleet year after year.
After sailing over 26,000 nautical miles and visiting dozens of countries, the World ARC 2018-19 fleet has much to reflect upon and certainly to celebrate!