Today saw the opening of the ARC+ Office in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, kicking off the excitable buzz around Las Palmas Marina as the Atlantic Crossing season with World Cruising Club rallies officially begins. The time has come for this year’s ARC+ participants to begin their final countdown to their two-stage ocean crossing setting off on 5th November and they were met with a warm welcome by the highly experienced and knowledgeable ‘yellow shirt’ team as they arrived to 'check-in' for the rally. After years of planning, months of maintenance and weeks of preparations, it’s time to meet fellow participants setting off together and turn their attention to the adventure ahead.
Many of the crews have cruised their way south from the Mediterranean or northern Europe during the summer, arriving in the Canaries in good time for the ARC+ start, and avoiding the autumnal gales in Biscay and the Straits of Gibraltar. The pontoons are already busy and many ARC+ and ARC flags are flying proudly from the masts, as crews busy themselves with preparations. It's great to see that many of them have already gotten to know each other well, sharing their experiences and comparing notes on their sail to Gran Canaria. With 24 countries are represented in the fleet there's a real international feel around the docks.
From the first morning broadcast at 0900, the ARC+ platform was lively and the check-in office was fully booked all day with skippers and crews all eager to gather further information, learn about the exciting social programme ahead, receive their welcome packs containing local information, vouchers, commemorative flags and a host of goodies provided by World Cruising Club partners. It’s also the opportunity to book their one-to-one Safety Inspection, one of the most valuable parts of World Cruising Club’s support, with the team already on the docks visiting the first boats to register and following up on virtual inspections carried out over video calls during the summer. The Safety Team’s role is to run through the equipment onboard and discuss safety plans and procedures with the skipper. These checks will continue throughout the next week to ensure all yachts are well prepared for the first leg sailing 865nm to Mindelo, Cape Verde.
With 97 boats and around 460 crew due to participate in ARC+ 2023, the social programme ahead is sure to be an exciting experience and there’s something for everyone. Events begin with the first ARC+ Sundowner this evening. These gatherings, with complimentary drinks, take place most nights providing a great opportunity to compare notes on preparations and sailing plans with fellow ralliers and are sponsored by long-term ARC supporters Ahembo Drinks, Hiperdino Supermarket, Rolnautic Chandlery and Boatyard, Admiral Marine Insurance, and Alisios Sailing Centre.
Also on the social schedule are Welcome Drinks on Friday evening, a Yacht Club Dinner at the prestigious Real Club Nautico, a Crew Supper at sailors' favourite Restaurant Embarcadero, and the Costume Party with this year’s theme Superheroes! The social programme culminates in the Farewell Party, held two days before the start, on Friday 3 November.
ARC+ is a firm family favourite and this year is no exception with 45 children, aged from 8 months to 16 years, taking part. There are special activities designed for children on the programme too, and the first event is a family barbeque on Saturday evening which provides a great introduction for all the children and parents who are crossing the Atlantic.
Before the final countdown to the start begins, crews are encouraged to explore beyond the marina. Participants are invited plant trees in the ARC Forest (Friday 27 October), supporting a local initiative Foresta that has seen thousands of trees planted by crews over the past decade. They can also arrange tours to discover the mountains of Gran Canaria, hire a car, and enjoy the best of the island with the Tourist Information representative in the ARC Shop & Information Centre.
Follow the latest news from ARC+ 2023 on the World Cruising Club website, Facebook and Instagram.