IN a super week for local tourism, 59 foreign yachties aboard 17 boats moored at the Zululand Yacht Club during their transatlantic World ARC (Atlantic Rally for Cruisers) race.
The crews started their voyage either from Saint Lucia in the Caribbean or from Australia and will complete a 26 000 nautical mile trade wind circumnavigation.
Amid the rigours of such a long sail is the opportunity to make friendships, see new places and enjoy plenty of free time to explore.
The present ARC fleet comprises 39 male and 20 female sailors with boats registered from the UK, USA, Australia, Canada, Finland, Norway and Guernsey.
Their programme at Richards Bay included visits to the Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Game Reserve, iSimangaliso Wetland Park, St Lucia and Cape Vidal.
The official welcome, prize giving and entertainment evening took place on Friday evening.
PHOTO: Dave Savides
The yachts will make their way to Cape Town and will proceed after the New Year to Brazil and their final destination, St Lucia in the Caribbean.
‘We are loving Richards Bay,’ ARC coordinator, Galem Salgado said on Thursday.
‘The yacht club is beautiful and the people are incredibly friendly and helpful.
‘The highlight for many of us was the trip to the game reserve and seeing the amazing animals.’
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