There's just 24 hours to go until the start of ARC 2015. 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 here in Las Palmas with seminars, social activities, guided excursions, safety checks, helping over 1000 crew members that will sail with this year’s edition of the ARC feel ready and relaxed for the crossing ahead. Skippers have been ensuring their boat is fully prepared, safety equipment checks have been carried out, crew are briefed and provisions are 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 final send off by the Tourist Board of Gran Canaria at the Farewell Party held at the Real Club Nautico. Crews enjoyed drinks and music and were wished fair winds for their crossing by our hosts in Gran Canaria. Pablo Llanares Managing Director of the Patronato de Turismo de Gran Canaria spoke to say farewell to ARC Crews and said how much the island has enjoyed hosting the fleet every November for the last 30 years. The band, Los Salvapantallas, really got the party started playing a range of classic hits that soon had over 1000 ARC sailors dancing away.A terrific firework display rounded off the evening.
Today, skippers are completing 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 attend 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 are given along with sailing instructions and other relevant information