When Gill’s Atlantic Offshore range was ready for re-development in 2008 they turned to the participants of the ARC for their views on what was needed in offshore clothing. Their designers sent out a detailed questionnaire to the participants with wide ranging questions about colour, style and features.

Meet the team working hard to produce the daily ARC weather forecasts

World Cruising Club’s 2009 Atlantic Rally for Cruisers (ARC) has partnered with Sailing Weather Service (SWS) to help sailors enjoy a safe, competitive, and fun trip from Las Palmas de Gran Canaria to Rodney Bay in St. Lucia. The starting gun for the ARC fired on the 22 of November and the event continues through late December. SWS meteorologist Matt Sanders serves a lead forecaster by monitoring weather conditions and providing daily weather forecasts to the fleet of competitors.

See the start of ARC 2009 as seen from the start vessel and the on water press boats, plus links to unofficial ARC videos.

There are many stages to complete before anyone taking part in the ARC finally makes it to the startline in Gran Canaria. First the initial decision has to be made to compete in the event and then once all the paperwork and admin has been completed and the boat is in Las Palmas ready for the start, the dream of making an Atlantic crossing actually becomes a reality. For some, this reality is harder to achieve than most.

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?