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The mountain is The Sentinal,the landmark of Hout Bay.
12 noon and Hout Bays East Fort seventeenth century cannon fired and the assembled ARC Around the World fleet were on their way,this one is an Oyster 56, she carries an Irish flag,with a sail number IRL 1758. Bon Voyage!
Owner: Stephen Hyde
Design: Oyster 56
LOA(m): 17.49
Flag: IRL
Sail number: IRL1758
Photo by R McBride using a Canon G11 on auto setting.
Farewell! Saturday, 8th January, 2011
From the ARC web site today (sunday) one boat has already done 142 miles.
There was good southerly breeze blowing into Hout Bay this morning which provided sufficient drive to get the World ARC fleet across the start line and on their way across the South Atlantic. The fleet tacked out of the bay until clear of Sentenial Point and then set a course for the mid Atlantic Island of St Helena, where each boat will stop for 72 hours to break up their journey.
Having slipped their mooring in Hout Bay Marina in good time, to get a feel for the conditions in the bay, the first boat across the start line was the Hallberg Rassy 40, Eowyn, followed by the Portuguese boat Thor VI at the other end of the line. Third across was the Irish registered yacht, A Lady, who had slipped their moorings in central Cape Town earlier in the morning to meet up with the fleet at the start line.
The remainder of the fleet crossed in succession, some a little uncertain on which tack to be on with an unbiased line. But as the fleet cleared west of the entrance to Hout Bay and into open sea, they were able to head north and really benefit from some great sailing conditions.
There was plenty of chatter on the Rally radio frequency following the start as one and all wished everyone a safe and enjoyable passage across the Atlantic. Several local yachts from Hout Bay Yacht Club also mingled with the fleet to wish them well and wave them on their way. It was a really great send off and the fleet were very appreciative of the hospitality that they have received during their stay. Thank you once again!
The passage to St Helena is approximately 1700 nautical miles and the first boats are expected to arrive around the 18th January.
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