ARC+ prizegiving and last days in Mindelo

by World Cruising on 16 Nov 2016 It has been a busy but extremely enjoyable and interesting ARC+ programme in Cape Verde islands of Sao Vicente and Santo Antao which concluded last night with a lively Farewell Function and Prizegiving in the old fish market from Mindelo. All ARC+ crews got together and were entertained with a local music and dance group Mandinga. It is a dramatic display with the warrior-like dancers performing energetic dances holding weapons of war and covered in black tar.

After the welcome drinks all the crews stood excitedly to learn who had managed the podium positions of first, second and third in each of the four categories. There was a lively atmosphere and crews congratulated one another with great energy. Check the results here.

Following the Prizegiving, Stefano Palumbo thanked those in the city who had helped make the fleets stay so successful. He thanked the Marina Mindelo for having the fleet, and for the helpful and cheerful way its staff had helped the crews during their stay, Immigration and Maritime Police for their cooperation during ARC+ stay and last but not least the local charity SOS Aldeias.

SOS Aldeias is a non-profit organisation that works with single mothers, and for their children, to improve their quality of life by developing skills and trades to support their families. The group provided the dancing and entertainment during the evening and also the Cape Verdean traditional dish Cachupa to feed the ARC+ crews.

It was a great evening and a fitting finale to the crews time in Mindelo. Today the crews prepare to restart to Saint Lucia with yachts crossing the starting line at 1245 and 1300 local time (UTC-1).