Eventful Atlantic Rally for Cruisers ends in St

Eventful Atlantic Rally for Cruisers ends in St. Lucia

21 Dec 2002 12:41 GMT Twenty seven days after the yachts crossed the start line off Las Palmas de Gran Canaria the participants gathered for the final prize giving in St Lucia. Many of the yachts had stayed in Rodney Bay Marina waiting for the prize giving party, whilst others had been cruising and headed back to Rodney Bay to join in the evening’s festivities. For 2002 a new venue had been identified for the evening and it was thus that the participants and their guests headed off to the Gaiety Night Club near Gros Islet, a mile or so north of Rodney Bay Marina.

In the region of eight hundred participants, their families and friends, filled the night club which had been set up with theatre style seating for the occasion. Many local dignitaries attended the second part of the ceremony, including the Minister for Tourism, The Hon Philip J Pierre; The President of the St Lucia Hotel and Tourism Association, Mrs Berthia Parle; The Director of Tourism, Mr Hilary Modeste; and the General Manager of Rodney Bay Marina, Mr Cuthbert Didier.

Prizes were awarded to many winners not only for their performance on the water, but also for fun happenings and occurrences, and for those that had assisted the ARC in many different ways. Those that had made a special contribution were also recognised, including the yachts that had helped during the two incidents at sea. As the crews of Lorrigray II and Muscrat came forward to receive special prizes for their assistance at both incidents (Toutazimut and F2) they received a well deserved standing ovation. It was a very special moment for everyone.

Following on from this Peter and Zara from the abandoned F2, came on stage to offer their own vote of thanks, and show a short video made up of shots from their participation in the ARC which told their story.

After a break half way through the ceremony, during which time participants were able to enjoy drinks and canapés on the lawn outside under a balmy Caribbean sky, speeches were made and the winners trophies were awarded. After words of welcome from the Director of Tourism, Mr Hilary Modeste, and the General Manager of Rodney Bay Marina, Mr Cuthbert Didier, it was the turn of General Manager of World Cruising Club, Andrew Bishop.

Andrew reflected with sadness on the tragic loss of Philip Hitchcock; and on his brother David’s behalf thanked everyone for their fantastic support, both during and after the incident. After announcing that there would be a Philip Hitchcock Memorial Trophy to be awarded in future ARC’s Andrew asked everyone to stand for a few moments reflection, during which time the hall fell into complete silence. It was an extremely moving moment.

Winners were then awarded their prizes, the last of which, and perhaps on this occasion the most important, was the Spirit of the ARC Award. For their help with both the Toutazimut and F2 incidents there was one yacht whose crew went far beyond the call of duty as an ARC participant, co-ordinating the net and communications, as well as launching their dinghy in a very high sea state to transfer the crew of F2 and their belongings to Lorrigray II, who had agreed to take them on to St Lucia. Winners of the Spirit of the ARC 2002 – the crew of Muscrat.

Following the prize giving ceremony, which officially marked the end of ARC2002, the crews enjoyed an evening of partying, taking the opportunity to say fond farewells. Not goodbyes, because having participated in the ARC they have joined a special family, whose paths will cross as they continue their cruise in the Caribbean and beyond.