boardings and harassments. While
Saint Lucia is not alone in that
regional challenge, Devaux says
the authorities need to deal with
such issues in a hassle-free manner
so as to not frustrate visitors. This
would mean implementing proper
procedures that work seamlessly.
For example: streamlining the many
forms that visitors need to fill out at
ports.
With the thirtieth edition of ARC
having sailed, the focus is now on
the World ARC, which started in
January, and is now in its tenth year.
When it first started, it was held
every two years, but as the demand
grew, World Cruising Club changed
it to an annual event. World ARC
usually starts in Saint Lucia or
Australia and sails around the world.
Last year, 22 vessels participated
in World ARC; this year it attracted
34 boats with 140 sailors. Unlike
the ARC, the World ARC starts and
ends in Saint Lucia. In fact, it’s the
only event organized by the World
Cruising Club that actually starts
and ends in the same destination.
Another event, ARC Plus, crosses
the Atlantic from Gran Canaria to
the Caribbean via Cape Verde.
IGY’s role in the ARC began in 2006.
However, since taking over, it has
fostered a relationship between
IGY and the World Cruising Club.
That partnership is a strong one,
said Devaux, to the extent that
World ARC now uses one of IGY’s
destinations in Colombia.
Staging the annual ARC is a labour
of love for all concerned. It’s both a
challenge and fun. But to be able to
ensure smooth sailing, it essentially
takes a whole community to
organize this massive effort. But
with other Caribbean islands
making increasingly attractive
bids to supplant Saint Lucia at the
ARC’s final destination, Devaux
notes that IGY Rodney Bay Marina
will continue to be strategic in
extending the lengthy and fruitful
relationship with World Cruising
Club.
“If you looked at the major yachting
events in the world, the ARC ranks
www.slyoumag.com | February - April 2020
right up there,” Devaux said. “We’re
just proud to be part of it. The
tenants here at the Marina obviously
play their part because they, too,
understand its importance and
definitely appreciate it.”
And as for Saint Lucia, the place
these yachties often choose to
spend their Christmas holidays, it
turns out that many of them just
cannot seem to get enough of it.
While some take weeks and months
before returning home, there are
stories of some actually taking
up permanent residence here. It’s
testament to the warm hospitality
that has come to be synonymous
with Saint Lucia long before the
ARC made its maiden voyage.
“These yachties are looking for
friendly and hospitable people –
Saint Lucians master that,” Devaux
told me. “They’re also looking for
security and the ease of doing
business. We have a naturally
beautiful island and flights from
and to all the major destinations are
available.”
SL-YOU | It’s All About Business 23