ARC 2001 Finishers Arrive in Record Time

Contact: John Emmanuel

Friday, December 07, 2001 - A new world record has been set in the arrival here this year of the yachts participating in the annual Atlantic Rally for Cruisers (ARC). On Friday, December 7, 2001 the first yacht, Spirit of Diana, fielding a thirteen member crew and captained by Ross Daniel sailed into the Rodney Bay Marina eleven days, twenty-two hours and four seconds after leaving the starting line in Las Palmas, Gran Canary.  The second yacht, Lady in Red, captained by Guy Schelkens crossed the finish line 12 minutes later.

According to General Manager of World Cruising Limited Andrew Bishop, who along with other local tourism officials, was on hand to welcome the yachters, it was an incredibly close and exciting finish.

“We’ve all been following the battle that you’ve had on the water via the Internet with keen interest… Unfortunately one of you had to arrive first and the other second but I’m sure that you have enjoyed the sailing. What is important is that you got here in good time, you have both beaten the record substantially which ensures that Spirit of Diana sets a new record for the crossing in the ARC.”

Addressing jubilant supporters and well wishers, tourism officials noted that the favourable weather meant that the remaining boats would also arrive here ahead of what has been the expected times in previous years.

St. Lucians are expected to reap greater benefits from the ARC and other yachting events with the passing of new legislation by the St. Lucia House of Assembly earlier this year.

“I want you to look at St. Lucia and Rodney Bay Marina as just a gateway to the Caribbean,” said General Manager of Rodney Bay Marina, Cuthbert Didier.  “When God fashioned St. Lucia he made it for yachting. He said, ‘come and let there be yachts’. Therefore enjoy the rest of the island, take in our culture and take in as much of St. Lucia as you wish; remember there is Marigot, Soufriere and the entire Rodney Bay area.”

Deputy Chairman of the St. Lucia Tourist Board Roger Sutherland emphasised that the Government of St. Lucia had initiated legislation to make yachters feel more welcome, more comfortable and to allow them to spend more time in St. Lucia.

“We’re hoping that you will take advantage of that and come back to St. Lucia and enjoy the hospitality of the people of this country. This ARC 2001 has 219 boats and that means over 1200 visitors coming to our shores and that’s why our legislation was passed so that you can enjoy yourself in St. Lucia since it’s very important to our economy and for the livelihood of many people connected with your industry,” Sutherland added.

Tourism officials have promised a grander celebration later this month when more of the crews would have arrived on island.

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