Smooth sailing and island adventures: ARC Plus fleet safely docks in Grenada
by World Cruising Club 7 Dec 2023 02:07 PST
After 2300 nautical miles the ARC+ fleet have now safely arrived in Port Louis Marina, Grenada. Thomas Christoffel and crew aboard Paikea (Bavaria 37) crossed the finish line at 06:55 (UTC) 7 December, arriving just ahead the prize-giving which takes place this evening at Prickly Bay.
This is the 11th edition of ARC+ and the third year the fleet have sailed into Grenada. The ARC+ participants have received a warm and enthusiastic welcome and have been enjoying their introduction to the Island. Crew have been exploring the Island on half day tours, finding out more about sailing the Grenadines as well as enjoying cocktails and sunset cruises.
The fleet have had excellent weather for the crossing, with many reporting champagne sailing conditions in near perfect tradewinds, along with incredible night sailing under spectacular full moons.
As always, within the fleet there have been varying reports of fishing successes, mahi mahi have been landed along with wahoo, amber jacks, tuna and barracuda (which are returned as inedible!)! Some of the fleet have played host to extra crew... Greta the egret made herself at home on T-Rex for a couple of days and Joule were refuge for a Seymour, a Eurasian kestrel for a number of days.
Ed the ARC+ mascot onboard Blue Wonder has keep the crew entertained stealing sweets, capturing pirates and demanding birthday cakes!
Of the 95 strong fleet that departed Las Palmas, 4 boats have retired. Sadly, Hilma lost her rig shortly after leaving Mindelo, Cape Verde. All onboard are safe, and following rendezvous with other vessels in the ARC+ fleet to acquire additional fuel, they made their way under power back to Mindelo. Baybreeze and Namaste have have diverted to Barbados and Martinique respectively. Alaska was forced to delay her departure from Mindelo by 11 days whilst their engine was being repaired, she is currently making her way across the Atlantic, and is due to arrive in Grenada on the 15th December.