There was a whiff of grease-paint in the air last night as a procession of painted ladies (and lads!) brought a carnival atmosphere to the farewell party for ARC+. Over two hundred ARC+ crews were joined by ARC early arrivals for a combined Farewell to ARC+ and Welcome to ARC fiesta, laid on by the Ayuntamiento de Las Palmas – the city government of our host port of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria.
The City of Las Palmas, is the “Carnival Capital” of the Canary Islands, and this year’s carnival theme “the sea”, was introduced by a troop of dancers wonderfully adored in full body paint; swirling seascapes and marine creatures clinging to their physiques. Excited chatter amongst the crews – new found friends from the rally - suddenly stopped as the evening’s entertainment began. After delighting the audience with their dancing, the “sea creatures” were joined by carnival dancers sporting amazing head-gear, and pulsating samba music – welcome to carnival!
Concejal de Turismo del Ayuntamiento de las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Señor Pedro Quevedo was joined on stage by World Cruising Club managing director, Andrew Bishop, to wish the departing ARC+ crews “bon-voyage” and to say “bienvenido” to the newly arriving ARC crews. Also welcomed onto the stage was ARC “metman” Chris Tibbs, who received an award from the City of Las Palmas, recognising his 30 years since first sailing in the ARC – back in 1986 in the very first edition of the rally. Chris is back afloat in the ARC this year, and will be sailing his Wauquiez 40 Taistealai in the 30th ARC, together with his wife Helen, also a veteran of the 3rd ARC.
As the party rolled on late into the evening. It was not surprise that this morning (Saturday), there were a few sore heads to be seen on the ARC platform, rally HQ in Las Palmas, as passports were checked in preparation for the departure tomorrow. Last minute jobs are being rushed through, provisions and fresh food loaded aboard the 64 strong fleet in preparation for their 800NM passage to Mindelo on the island of Sao Vicente in Cape Verde. The weather is looking good for departure tomorrow, with the first start due at 13:00 just off the harbour of Las Palmas