On Saturday 15 November, ARC crews have been invited to join local sailors from the city of Las Palmas to sail onboard traditional Canarian Vela Latinas (Lateens) in the basin at the southern end of the marina. The initiative is supported by the City of Las Palmas and the Federación de Vela Latina Canaria promoting the historic sport and Canarian maritime culture.
Today, World Cruising Club director Andrew Bishop was joined by Mimi Gonzalez from the Concejal del Ayuntamiento de Las Palmas (City Hall
of Las Palmas) and President of the Federación de Vela Latina Canaria,
Juan Santana to promote the special open day which will see boats crewed by sailors from the city and fifty sailors of the 29th edition of the ARC.
 | This is the third consecutive year ARC participants have been given the opportunity to try Vela Latina sailing. During the open day, crews can test their skills in school boats coordinated by instructors from the Federation for a very different sailing experience to their approaching Atlantic crossing. Vela Latinas are competitively raced by local sailors in Gran Canaria with a crew of between 8 and 13 on board. The regulation hull construction is wood with a maximum length of 6.70 meters and a maximum width of 2.40 meters. The traditional triangle ‘Lateen’ rig has a sail area exceeding 40 m2, and the boat requires the skill of the crew to balance and manoeuvre correctly.
The open day begins at 11:00 on Saturday 15 with an introductory talk about the history and concept of the boats, followed by a chance take to try sailing on board. The day finishes with tasting of local foods and ARC Participants can book their place by visiting the Ayuntamiento Local Information centre by the ARC Office. |