New fastest crossing time from Gran Canaria to Saint Lucia
Max Klink’s Knierim 65 Caro finishes the ARC in 10 days, 21 hours, 25 minutes and 10 seconds.
Crossing the finish line in Rodney Bay Saint Lucia this morning at 10:10:10 UTC (06:10:10 Local time) Max Klink’s Knierim 65 Caro has earned its place in the history books, smashing the ARC course record by 08 hours 07 minutes and 20 seconds.
Sailing across the Atlantic from Las Palmas de Gran Canaria to Rodney bay, Saint Lucia in 10 days, 21 hours, 25 minutes and 10 seconds, the eight man crew were delighted to have beaten the ARC record which previously stood at 11 days, 5 hours, 32 minutes and 30 seconds, set by Italian Maxi Capricorno in 2006. Opting for a longer route north of the rhumb line, Caro covered approximately 2985NM, but benefitted from stronger winds produced by a mid-Atlantic low pressure system, to drive them south. Their average speed 11.45kts, with a top speed of around 25kts.
‘
She's a very fast boat,’ said Skipper and Owner Max Klink as they arrived, ‘
We did not set out to win the ARC we just wanted to have a good passage across the Atlantic. The boat was amazing and with an elite crew like this we had hoped for a quick crossing. Huge thanks goes to out to our navigator on board, Tom Addis, he was on the money every time.'
ARC race committee and the management team of IGY Rodney Bay Marina headed out to the ARC finish line to welcome in the new arrival to Rodney Bay. As Caro powered across the finish line at 10kts, the sun was just beginning to rise over the bay making for an impressive sight.
Once sails were downed and the 4.8m keel was lifted enabling them to enter the marina cut, Caro proceeded to their berth where local dignitaries and press team waited excitedly for their arrival. Chairman of the Saint Lucia Tourist Board, Matthew Beaubrun and Sean Compton, the Chairman of the ARC planning committee congratulated all onboard on their achievement. Owner & Skipper Max Klink received a welcome hamper form the Saint Lucia Tourist Board and each crewmember was poured an ice-cold rum punch, which was enjoyed by everyone onboard.
