Farewell to Mindelo - the ARC+ fleet head off to Grenada

2021 ARC+ © World Cruising Club

After a warm welcome for the ARC+ fleet and an enjoyable few days in the Cape Verde Islands, skippers and crews on the 70 boats taking part slipped their lines at Marina Mindelo and headed for the start at 1130 (local time) today. The shoreside programme has included plenty of great hospitality, including arrival and farewell drinks with local entertainment, time to enjoy a beer or two with fellow crews in the popular floating bar at Marina Mindelo, as well as organised tours and some free time to explore the beautiful remote islands during their stopover.

There was a good send-off from all our friends and supporters in Mindelo as yachts headed out and made their way to the start line. With a calm sea and light breeze of 12-14 knots from the NNE, the Committee Boat followed the fleet out into the bay and bid farewell as they sent them on their way. With colourful spinnakers flying and a clear line, all yachts got off to a good start and the ARC+ fleet are now on their way to Grenada and the next leg of their transatlantic adventure.

In the ARC+ monohull class, the Norwegian family yacht Najad 490 Albicilla (NOR) once again led the pack across the line, followed by Mads Liestol Christensen's Beneteau Oceanis 50 Sala (NOR) and Jacek Marchlewski's Beneteau Oceanis 45 Katharsis (POL). In the multihull start, line honours winner on the first leg from Las Palmas to Mindelo, Pierre De Saint Vincent's French Outremer 52 Piment Rouge (FRA) crossed the start line just ahead of Jean-Pierre and Christine Costes' Lagoon 450S Mahoa (FRA). Three boats remain in Mindelo, making final repairs and due to sickness but will soon head off: Luna, Latobe and Man-of-War and Cesorina.

"Our thanks go to Marina Mindelo and all our supporters during out stay where we have all been welcomed. It was also great that we were able to raise 12,610 Escudos for the SOS children's charity - a very worthy local cause. The start went well today and it was nice to see so many of the yachts hoisting spinnakers," said ARC+ Event Manager, Mark Burton. "The forecast for the first two days is very light winds and the fleet will first be heading southwest to hopefully find some breeze in about three days. Fair winds and great sailing to all crews during the 2,440 nautical mile passage ahead of them! We look forward to seeing you on the dock at Camper & Nicholsons Port Louis Marina, when they all arrive in Grenada."

Yachts all have YB trackers and their progress can be followed via the Fleet Viewer and YB Races App.