By Colin Thompson

Sailing Correspondent

The first Marion to Bermuda Race yacht has arrived in Bermuda.

Charles Cahill’s Meriton 65, Mischievous, seized line honours yesterday evening after taking just over three days to complete the 645 mile race.

With her hull and sails silhouetted by the sunset, Cahill’s sloop hiked across the finish line off St David’s Lighthouse at approximately 7:35pm travelling around ten knots as the boat’s crew on the starboard rail pumped their fists in jubilation.

“It was a great sail and a really fun ride,” Cahill told The Royal Gazette.

“It feels so great to win line honours.This is my second Marion to Bermuda Race and it was a wonderful experience. It was a wonderful ride across and the crew did a fantastic job.”

Mischievous’ arrival coincided with the traditional Finish Line Party for the Marion to Bermuda Race being held at St David’s Lighthouse.

“This is the first time I have ever been at the Finish Line Party for the Marion to Bermuda Race and actually seen any boat cross the line much less the first boat across the line,” Ed Faries, commodore of The Royal Hamilton Amateur Dinghy Club, said.

Peter Noonan’s Swan 56, Defiance, was also due to arrive last night as at last check she was 49 miles from the finish line.

Spirit of Bermuda, the sole entry in the Classic Yacht Division, is due to arrive today.