The Canadian catamaran Basia were five days into the ARC Atlantic crossing when their mainsail was damaged during a large squall. Skipper Michael Neumann explained: “We had to take down the mainsail as the batons had poked several holes through the sail. We continued our crossing using the genoa and also put up a storm sail." Unfortunately for the family boat whose crew for the crossing included his wife Barbara and daughters Cathy and Anna plus fellow crew mate Romauld, there were more problems to come.

Justin Matthews and Irene Hunt are sailing their Beneteau 57 Southern Princess doublehanded in the World ARC which leaves from St Lucia on 23^rd January 2008. They will stay with the rally until Fiji before they head to New Zealand in October but during their ARC Atlantic crossing, they had problems with their boom which had been professionally repaired back in 2004. The work that had been done had completely rotted as it was discovered that it was not waterproofed or treated.

Oliver Jansen’s Catana 582 Safari enjoyed many days of good downwind sailing and were making good ground sailing at 23 knots towards the finish in St Lucia before their spinnaker blew in a large mid-Atlantic squall.

As if sailing across the Atlantic wasn’t thrilling enough, a number of ARC participants (and some of the more adventurous ARC staff) took the time to experience the ultimate treetop adventure in the St Lucian rainforest.

After over three weeks at sea, crossing the Atlantic at 17.35 on the 16th of December 2004, Jane made a radio call: “ARC Finish line, ARC Finish line, this is Kelly’s Eye, ARC number 192”. On passage we had been tired and hungry when the weather was rough; exhilarated when we had perfect sailing conditions; scared when lightning crashed into the sea around us; amazed at the number of stars. Then we made the radio call we will never forget. When a friendly voice responded it was a highly emotional moment. We knew we weren’t far from a good meal, a few drinks (lots actually) and a bed that didn’t move – sheer bliss! The way the Finish Line handled our arrival meant a lot to us.

Allein 21 Yachten segeln unter deutscher Flagge: Abora, Albatros, Alkedo, Annemare, Asahi, Cetus, Chris, Diva, Faro, Felix, Heaven Can Wait, Hippopotamus, Momo, Safari, Salt Whistle, Santana, Strega, Viva, Walross IV, Windflower III.

Ein Drittel der Boote bietet Charterkojen an, vom grosszuegigen Katamaran Alkedo bis zum Aussbildungsschiff des DHH, einer Beneteau 50 namens Chris. Die Walross IV des akademischen Segelvereins Berlin schickt 12 Studenten ins Rennen, die in der Regattagruppe um Punkte kaempfen.

The ARC isn’t just about sailing across the Atlantic. It’s also about making new friends, learning new skills, adding to your sailing knowledge and confidence and perhaps most importantly, having fun! The Las Palmas Programme, organised by World Cruising Club, runs over a two week lead-in period and encapsulates the best of everything and, most importantly, gives the ARC crews a proper send-off.

The ARC is a cruising rally with separate Racing Divisions. The Racing Divisions use the IRC Handicap system. Typically about 15% of the fleet participate in the Racing Divisions of the ARC and enjoy their own start.

Read more about the competitive side of the ARC....

We pay tribute to the organiser of the infamous annual Dinghy Race which has been held in Las Palmas for over 25 years

Pedro Perez Abrante (known to his friends as ‘Don Pedro’), is the Manager of the Texaco Station and Mini-market in Muelle Deportivo Las Palmas. He is the man who has been the driving force behind the efforts to convert a dirty and derelict fishing harbour into the modern marina you see today. Don Pedro’s “no problem” attitude has earned him the gratitude and affection of countless sailors. As testament to his popularity, there are numerous photographs of their boats and thank you presents adorning his office.

Gran Canaria first became popular as a tourist destination in the mid-19th Century when it was established as a free port, with tax exemptions and facilities for free trade. Thus Gran Canaria gained popularity in European circles as a place of rest for tourists and the infirm, encouraged by its year-round “Spring” climate. Shipping companies soon took advantage of this popularity by installing passenger accommodation in their ships and building the first hotels on the Island.

Much has changed since then, so why not take a longer look at Gran Canaria and its captila - Las Palmas?