ARC Europe Leg 2 Start: Thank you Bermuda
by World Cruising Club 19 May 2022 18:38 PDT
It was a spectacular sight in St Georges Harbour today with 27 yachts crossing the start line for Leg 2 of ARC Europe 2022. After a mixed weather forecast the winds were kind to the fleet providing a gentle 10kts breeze from the west which took the boats nicely across the start line heading in an easterly direction from St George's Harbour towards The Cut and out into the Atlantic.
Skippered by John Kearny it was Tarka, a Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 410 who positioned themselves just before the line 30 seconds out from the start, filling their sails at the perfect time and crossing the line 1st. They were closely followed by Minimole, a Neel 47 and Madrigal, a Farr 50, who crossed the line together. 4th over the line was skipper Slaven Fischer who gracefully took his Akilaria 40, Mowgli, out of The Cut and as the fleet carried on in the distance, Mowgli was leading the pack onward to the Azores.
Crews have all enjoyed the beautiful island of Bermuda. Highlights included going to the capital town, Hamilton, to experience the GP Sailing and soak up the atmosphere on the docks. Some had fun exploring in little electric cars while others took the bus across the island which is the main form of transport from town to town.
World Cruising Club have many supporters across the globe, and it would not be possible without the help from local establishments. Enormous thanks go to, Mark Soares and Johnathan Baxter at Bermuda Yacht Services who have not only managed the berthing and services at The Docks in St George's Harbour.
Thank you also to St George's Dinghy and Sports Club and especially to Sheila Gringley, Commodore of SGDSC, for welcoming the fleet and for proving a spectacular venue for the welcome drinks. Participants were treated to Dark'n Stormy while taking in the views of the harbour. In addition to this, SGDSC also hosted the Skippers' Briefing and organised a committee vessel for start day. Thank you to Sheila and her team for welcoming ARC Europe once again.
Bosko and his energetic team at The Wharf restaurant also deserve a big thank you for feeding the entire fleet with the most delicious fish & chips. Everyone had a great evening at this local restaurant which is situated on the waterfront in the centre of St George's.
Finally, very special thanks go to Andrew Holmes, Bermuda Brand Director of Gosling's Export (Bermuda) Limited for providing a very informative rum tasting and kindly proving the prizes for the winners of Leg 1. Gosling's also sponsored the rum at the welcome drinks so, thanks to Andrew, the fleet had lots of opportunity to enjoy the local liquor.
Sadly, the weather has been a bit dull and wet during the stopover but this did not dampen spirits or make the island and locals any less cheerful. Thank you Bermuda for hosting the fleet again and we already look forward to returning in 2023.