Arrival of the ARC Fleet

St. Georges, Bermuda

While we were out enjoying Bermuda the rest of the ARC fleet started trickling in.  They had a rough go of it coming from the BVI as there was either no wind or a head wind!  Neither scenario is good.  St. Georges is the check in point for Bermuda and where the rally is headquartered so we will all be here.  28 boats in all.  There were at least three boats that needed to be towed in for various reasons but all boats eventually made it to Bermuda.  

 We felt so fortunate to have had a week exploring as some of the boats got in and had at most two days.  Not much time to see the island.  But now the rally fun has started beginning with a Pirate Party.  Followed by rum tasting sponsored by Goslings (of course they gave you rum free first, and then offered it for sale).  Folks were free with there checkbook after all the "tasting".  

 And then there was the fish fry and prize giving for the "race".  I am sad to report that even though we were the only boat that left Portsmouth and arrived a week ahead of everyone else we did not receive a prize.  Guess you can't race against yourself!

Fish Fry - Prize Giving

 After just a couple of days we were off again - this time for the big passage.  We are all fueled up, topped off the water and bought more food.  Ready to go!

The start of the race

 For the start they had a starting line and a precise starting time.  Official.  It was actually alot of fun seeing all the boats start out.  The rally officials were standing on a rock at the harbor entrance waving goodbye.  Only 1800 miles to the Azores!