ARC Portugal - Fleet depart for warmer waters.... at last!
by World Cruising on 14 Jun 2017
ARC Portugal - Falmouth - Jubilate Mare Leaving World Cruising Club
The fleet have made the most of their time in Falmouth visiting local attractions and of course sampling the traditional pubs and restaurants that surround the harbour. The ARC Portugal fleet finally set sail from Pendennis Marina today (Sunday) after what has been the longest delay to the start in the Rally's history. Following an extremely unusual set of low pressure systems forming in the Atlantic this week, the boats were advised to stay put until a suitable weather window appeared to make the crossing to Bayona.
Oysterama decided upon an early departure and left from Helford on Friday morning, they are making steady progress and are currently crossing the Bay of Biscay. Between 1200 and 1400 hours local time, 19 of the ARC Portugal boats that have been based in Falmouth since Sunday slipped lines and headed out into the English Channel for the start of their Biscay crossing. The first boats are expected to complete the 550nm crossing to Bayona, in north-west Spain, by Wednesday night, with the rest of the fleet probably arriving through Thursday and the early hours of Friday.
The fleet look to be welcomed by warm weather and clear skies which will be a welcomed sight after the drizzly weather experienced over the last week. Despite the delay to the start to the Rally, there is still a busy and comprehensive programme of shore-side activities planned for all when they reach the Iberian coastline, and of course, plenty of welcome sangria.
Follow the progress of the fleet by heading to the Rally Portugal home page and clicking on Fleet Viewer on the right hand side.
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