Jolly Harbor, Antigua. Photo courtesy World Cruising Club

Jolly Harbor, Antigua. Photo courtesy World Cruising Club



Preparations for the start of ARC Europe 2002 are well underway at Jolly Harbour, Antigua, with most of the fleet now assembled in readiness for first stage of this transatlantic rally, which will take them to Bermuda and thence on to Europe.

Many of the fleet have been in the south of the island for the past week, taking part or enjoying the superb racing and unique atmosphere of Antigua Sailing Week. However with excitement of ASW now over, time is being spent preparing for the return trip to Europe and in particular the 980 nautical mile passage to Bermuda.

The ARC Europe fleet from Antigua comprising 21 yachts, is moored close to the centre of the Jolly Harbour Marina complex. Purpose built for yachting, the 500-acre marina complex has a separate super yacht basin, accommodating yachts up to 200 feet, as well as over 500 villas with waterside berthing and a selection of bars and restaurants. The ARC Europe Antigua fleet departs Jolly Harbour on 9th May to join more yachts in Bermuda who are already waiting at the St George's Dinghy and Sports Club. A separate start, also on 9th May, takes place from St.Augustine, Florida, bringing a further 8 yachts from the USA, to join the fleet in Bermuda.

For many of the fleet old friendships from past cruising including the ARC are being renewed and for others the dockside atmosphere, evening parties and functions are providing the perfect opportunity to meet and bond with fellow participants, before the start of the 3 transocean stages to Europe.

As usual the range of yachts is diverse and likewise the reasons for participating in the event varied. For many the sail to Europe is following time spent cruising the Caribbean and completes an Atlantic circuit. For others such as Bob & Cindy owners of Godspeed, ARC Europe is the start of another adventure. Having spent 5 years living onboard their yacht in the Caribbean, Bob and Cindy, both from Minnesota in the USA, intend to sail to St.Katherine's Haven in England, before cruising extensively around Britain and Ireland over the next 2 years, finally ending up in the Mediterranean.

Following the departure of the yachts on Thursday 9th May, news and weather forecasts will be displayed on the official website of the rally: www.worldcruising.com Daily positions for the yachts and interactive maps of their tracks will also be available.