IT’S a great week for local tourism as a fleet of 20 international yachts arrived in the city of uMhlathuze this week, taking a break during their transatlantic ARC (Atlantic Rally for Cruisers) race.
In between doing minor repairs and acquiring provisions for the boats, the crews are making the most of the stop-over by visiting the Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Game Reserve and other tourist highlights.
The first yacht made its way to the Zululand Yacht Club on Saturday and the last of the ‘invading armada’ arrived on Tuesday morning.
Richards Bay has become a favourite port of call for the annual event and a warm reception was enhanced by the Customs team making their entry easy by doing the necessary formalities at their moorings.
Ranging in age from 74 to 13, the yachties arrived in boats built as recently as 2013 and as far back as 1982.
‘Already we love this yacht club – especially the braai area,’ said race co-ordinator Joel Chadwick.
‘Our journey began at St Lucia in the Caribbean and we have crossed the Pacific and Indian oceans to get here, with Reunion our last stop before Richards Bay.
‘Some yachts will stay for a short while and others for weeks before the next leg starts from Cape Town in January.
‘One of the aspects of the rally we enjoy is mixing with the locals and learning about their countries and cultures.’
The official welcome of the ARC fleet took place at the Zululand Yacht Club on Wednesday evening, with Zulu dancing and a ‘bokdrolspoeg’ competition the highlights.
