ARC+ prizes, party and peixe.... in Mindelo
by World Cruising Club 18 Nov 07:20 UTC
2021 ARC+ © ARC Atlantic Rally for Cruisers
The prize-giving for the first leg of ARC+ from Las Palmas to Mindelo was held yesterday evening in the historic fish market building. The stage was set for participants to enjoy the evening with prizes awarded to the winners in each class. Entertainment was laid on by the traditional Mandinga Warriors who performed a dance which honours their ancestors and is usually seen at carnival in March. Event Manager Mark Burton welcomed crews to the prize-giving and after reading out a long list of 'thank yous' to Marina Mindela and all those who help make the rally such a success whilst on the island, a fun evening was enjoyed by all.
The ARC+ rally has been visiting the Cape Verde Islands for last nine years and World Cruising Club and all the amazing participants have been supporting the charitable work of SOS Children's Villages which strives to improve the lives of local families and their children. A new initiative was recently launched in four communities in São Vincent which aims to help 200 families with 800 children. Members of the SOS community project were at the ARC+ prize-giving, selling items and helping to raise funds for this worthy charity. "It has been a pleasure to work alongside SOS over the years and to witness the positive effects. Rally participants have been very generous with their donations this evening," said Event Manager, Mark Burton.
At the prize-giving, ARC+ plaques were awarded to the top three boats in each class, including line honours winner Piment Rouge (USA), Pierre De Saint Vincent's Outremer 51; the first multihull (on corrected time) Big Bird (USA), Steve Oleary's Neel 47, first Cruising Class C: Albicilla (NOR), Marthe Faugstad & Anders Landro's Najad 490; first in Cruising Class B: Luna (GBR), Richard & Annabell Rous' Dufour 44, and first in Cruising Class A: Flow (ITA), Luca Sabiu's Pogo 402S. Full results can be found on the ARC+ website hereQ.
The ARC+ programme continued today and PCR testing took place with crews attending by boat name at a testing station on the concrete pier outside Marina Mindelo. Some participants also had a chance to see more of the beautiful island of São Vicente on an early morning tour. The northern port of Mindelo is a historic city and considered to be the cultural hub of the island, proud of its rich tradition of music, art and architecture. The island is diverse and inland, Parque Natural Monte Verde has trails up the volcanic peak and beautiful beaches include Laginha, the shallow lagoon of Baía das Gatas and São Pedro.
There's plenty to enjoy here on the island and tomorrow there is a free day and chance to explore once again, as well as stocking up on provisions and getting prepared for the next leg of the crossing to Saint Lucia.