[dropcap]A[/dropcap]s the Saint Lucia Tourist Board celebrates the record breaking victory of the first ARC vessel to finish the trans-oceanic crossing, excitement is building over the anticipated arrival of dozens more who have braved the high seas in an attempt to complete the race.
On Thursday, December 1, the SLTB hosted a press conference in an effort to introduce the 2016 Calendar of Events to the general public. The press conference was led by Executive Chairperson, Agnes Francis, as well as Minister of Tourism, Hon. Dominic Fedee, General Manager of IGY Marina, Sean Devaux, and Managing Director of World Cruising Club, Andrew Bishop.
This is the 27th consecutive year Saint Lucia is serving as the finish point for the close to 300 vessels which are expected to end the over 2700 nautical mile journey at the IGY Rodney Bay Marina.
Throughout the next couple of weeks the SLTB in conjunction with the IGY Rodney Bay Marina will host a number of activities that will entertain ARC participants and the general public alike. Beyond the well-established Welcome and Prize Giving Reception, some highly anticipated events will include a Seafood Fiesta to be held in Anse La Raye next week, a Rotary Tree Planting, an Extempo Calypso Party and the ARC Market that will feature an array of local farmers and producers. Throughout the ARC the IGY Rodney Marina will be host to a varied and exciting schedule of entertainment that will be open to the general public and will take place along the Marina Boardwalk culminating on Sunday December 18th with Christmas Carols on the Boardwalk.
The Atlantic Rally for Cruisers has grown to be the largest sailing regatta on St Lucia’s calendar and has been drawing on the support of the corporate community, which continues to throw its backing behind the island’s hosting of the internationally recognized Atlantic Rally for Cruisers.
This year’s list of corporate sponsors include Digicel, CHI Shopping Shuttles, SOL EC Ltd., The Wave, Heineken, Radio Saint Lucia, Capella Marigot Bay, Chairman’s Reserve, Leverage Business Group, Massy Stores, LUCELEC, Bay Gardens Beach Resorts, Bread Basket, Sixt and Mercury Engines.
We are proud that growth in the industry has invigorated interest in the marine sector and the Saint Lucia Tourist Board is excited to see the island develop as a prime destination for travelling yachtsmen.
