Boats slipped their lines and headed out in turn to prepare for the start, 3000 nautical miles to Rodney Bay, St Lucia in the sunny Caribbean Sea.
The race began with light wind so most, if not all flew kites and spinnakers. This proved to be a test later as the fleet rounded the South Coast into the WAZ (wind acceleration zone), where a few sails blew out, and later Rapido, the race favourite, was diss-masted.
The first night tested the metal of all crews, with a NE F6-7 and confused sea state for 60 miles, but by sunrise it had settled to a gentle F4 and moderate swell.
The ARC had begun, and the crew of Just Joia settled down to begin the routine of sail trimming and changes, maintenance, watch keeping, galley duties, fishing etc etc etc.
