THE EVENT IS BEING SCALED DOWN FROM 250 TO 100 PARTICIPATING VESSELS DUE TO THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC.

Preparations for the hosting of the Atlantic Rally for Cruisers (ARC) continue, as officials create an environment of safety against the coronavirus.

The Events Company of Saint Lucia and the Saint Lucia Tourism Authority (SLTA) recently held a cheque presentation ceremony for the ARC. Lorraine Sidonie, Chief Executive Officer for the Events Company of Saint Lucia said the support was provided via sponsors who have supported the event for a number of years.

The ARC has been held in Saint Lucia for the past 30 years. This year, the event is being scaled down from 250 to 100 participating vessels due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Atlantic Rally for Cruisers will run under strict protocols for the protection of participants and the public against the coronavirus. General manager of the IGY Rodney Bay Marina, Sean Devaux, listed the protocols.

“For the ARC, participants will undergo one week of voluntary isolation on board in Las Palmas, following which they will undergo COVID-19 testing, and hopefully be approved to sail across the Atlantic. Crossing the Atlantic, on average, takes about 16 to 21 days, so counting the total number of days at sea along with the isolation period in Las Palmas, means the average participant will get to Saint Lucia having been in isolation for 21 or more days along with a negative COVID-19 test in hand. In addition, daily temperature checks will be conducted and recorded by the captain on board. Those documents along with others will be provided to the Ministry of Health 48 hours before arriving on island. If the Ministry finds anything irregular or that could be a potential threat, the vessel will be dealt with on anchor, and not on the shores of Saint Lucia.”

The organizers for the Atlantic Rally for Cruisers are working closely with the Department of Health to ensure the event is executed safely.