It was a great start to the ARC Europe yesterday, as the fleet crossed the line just off Nanny Cay Marina, Tortola, at midday local time.

Under a warm Caribbean sun and with steady 10-15 knot East North-Easterly breeze, the downwind start made for a colourful sight, with cruising chutes flying as crews enjoyed the perfect conditions as they set off on the first day of their Atlantic sailing adventure. The first stage of the rally often has some of the best weather conditions encountered on the ‘Atlantic circuit’ and forecasts for the passage to Bermuda predict some good sailing.

The ARC Europe route takes the yachts 3625 miles eastwards across the Atlantic Ocean from Tortola in the British Virgin Islands, to Lagos in southern Portugal, stopping in Bermuda and the Azores along the way.

Fore more, visit www.worldcruising.com/arceurope