“
If you looked at the
major yachting events in
the world, the ARC ranks
right up there.
”
The 2,700 nautical mile race began on
November 24 last year in Gran Canaria,
Spain, with nearly 1,200 yachties
representing 53 nationalities. The final
yacht, XC38 Milena Bonatti, sailed into
Saint Lucia merely hours before the prize-
giving ceremony was held on December
21 at the Beausejour Indoor Facility, where
representatives from more than 90 boats
were recognized. As is the custom, prizes
were awarded to yachts finishing seventh
and tenth in their respective classes, as well
as the top three performers.
SLYOU Magazine caught up with Andrew
Bishop, Managing Director of World Cruising
Club (WCC), moments after the prize-giving
ceremony wrapped up. He was elated at
how the ARC has been able to weather
the storms over the past three decades,
especially last year.
“It’s been a really great Atlantic Rally for Cruisers,” he
told me, after thanking the hundreds of yachties for
their support of the event.
For some, the ARC is a never-ending love affair. In
fact, the Spirit of the ARC Award went to 83-year-
old Manfred Kerstan of Germany who participated in
his 25th ARC voyage last year. He’s been the oldest
skipper every year – receiving another award for that
feat -- and organizers felt it fitting to recognize him in
a big way for his tenacity.
For Sean Devaux, General Manager of IGY Rodney
Bay Marina, last year’s ARC was a substantial
achievement for Saint Lucia, especially with World
Cruising Club remaining committed to Saint Lucia.
“It means that we’re obviously doing something
right,” he told me when we sat down for an interview
in his office in late January.
For the thirtieth anniversary, six young people – some
of them Saint Lucians -- participated in the ARC, an
exceptional achievement considering that it seemed
virtually impossible to pull that off in the past. Devaux
said it was a big boost for last year’s ARC, especially
for the tenants of IGY Rodney Bay Marina who
sponsored one of the youngsters.
Devaux described the 2019 ARC as “a calm one”,
noting that there were no major unfortunate incidents.
He said the local planning committee – Events
Company of Saint Lucia Inc., Saint Lucia Tourism
www.slyoumag.com | February - April 2020
SL-YOU | It’s All About Business 21