23 Yachts departs from Saint Lucia to participate in World ARC 2024

Deputy Prime Minister of Saint Lucia Ernest Hilaire announced the departure of 23 yachts for the World ARC 2024-25. The yachts for Santa Marta, Colombia. He said that the World Arc set sail from Rodney Bay in a race around the globe and urged all participants to be safe throughout their 815 nautical-mile journey.

Under clear blue skies and 17kts of north-easterly wind, it was perfect conditions for the start of the World ARC.

Around 23 yachts departed Saint Lucia for Santa Marta, Colombia, on their 815 nautical-mile voyage on Leg 1 of this aspirational round-the-world rally.

During midday, the Race Committee team sounded the beginning signal of Leg 1. For those out on the water, there was a feeling of joy and emotion as boats joyously joined in the excitement, sounding their horns with the crews cheering loudly.

Although the World ARC is a rally, not a race, friendly competition was already apparent as the boats made for the beginning line under full sail.

It was very close, with just seconds between the boats. Fatjax (GBR), a Shipman 63, owned by Iain and Jacqueline Kirkpatrick, was first across the start line, closely followed by Bahati.

The organisers of the race outlined, "Excitement and eagerness were in abundance on the docks at IGY Rodney Bay Marina, as the feet prepared to leave on the start of their incredible round-the-world voyage."

Last-minute jobs included strapping down dinghies, engine checks and pre-cooking the first meal of the passage to have tonight - chicken seemed to be the most popular dish, cooked in a variety of ways from rotisserie to curry.

Crews wished one another well for the voyage, with hugs and kisses for their newly made friends and calls of 'see you in Colombia' as they cast off their lines and headed out into Rodney Bay for the start of World ARC 2024-25.