There's just 24 hours to go until the start of ARC 2013. Today is all about last minute checks, making sure there are plenty of provisions on board and perhaps a chance to have a quiet crew dinner before the start tomorrow.
It’s been a busy two weeks leading here in Las Palmas, with skippers ensuring their boat is fully prepared, safety equipment checks have been carried out, crew are briefed and provisions are bought and stored on board for the 2,700 nm crossing to Saint Lucia. It’s also been a hectic social whirl each evening, with plenty of ARC parties and occasions for crews to get to know each other and to also attend the informative and popular seminar programme. Many agree that it is time to head out to sea again and the lure of the Caribbean calls!
Last night, crews were given a spectacular send off by the Tourist Board of Gran Canaria at the Farewell Party held at the Real Club Nautico. Crews enjoyed drinks and paella and following speeches from World Cruising Club's Andrew Bishop and Chairman of the Gran Canaria Island Council, José Miguel Bravo de Laguna Bermúdez, the sky was ablaze with a stunning fireworks display. The fiesta atmosphere continued with local dancers from the Gran Canaria carnival weaving their way through ARC crews and music from the Banda de Gran Canaria.
Earlier today, skippers completed the check-out procedure by bringing along passports of everyone on board to the ARC office where they are checked against crew lists - it’s a quick and easy procedure. Skippers then attended the obligatory Skipper’s Briefing at the Hotel Santa Catalina. Information about the crossing, an up-to-date weather briefing by Chris Tibbs and instructions on the radio net were given along with sailing instructions and other relevant information.