With the topical political changes and a sense of unease around the world, the ARC is like a safe haven for sailors from all corners of the globe coming together. It is a melting pot of nations and cultures as many boats have mixed crews, especially in the Racing Division. CHALLENGE 93 for example is a truly European boat as there are Germans, Spaniards and Finns sailing together across the ocean with the aim to have a good time and achieve a great result in their class. RAMBLER 88 have their eye to break the course record with its team of 20 people from 4 countries. As to the number of nationalities in board, however, HOT STUFF and DIAMONDS ARE FOREVER from Girls for sail excel with female sailors from the UK, Ireland, United States, Sweden, Germany, Switzerland and Belgium between the two boats.
Faraway’s crew are an international mix of enthusiastic sailors brought together by crewing website www.oceancrewlink.com. Owner Waldemar Szcerba is from Warsaw and sailing the ARC has been on his bucket list for almost 20 years. Until now, his yacht FARAWAY, a Beneteau 50, has been based in Greece where she has been prepared for the crossing. On board is experienced Canadian sailor Doug Ryan and it will be his fourth transatlantic crossing. They are joined by two further crew from Amsterdam and a Spaniard.
Frank Zeisig flew out from Germany to Gran Canaria hoping to find an ARC boat for the crossing. He thought his chances were pretty low but took the risk nevertheless. In the plane he sat next to an ARC sailor who, in the course for their conversation, told him that his friend had a crew space available. 2 hours after arrival Frank had become a proud ARC participant on board the Czech boat MILA II and couldn’t believe his luck.
All in all the ARC participants come from 46 countries and they joined the ARC because of the international camaraderie and friendship they had heard about and want to experience themselves. The ARC rally will create a floating convoy of united sailors on their way to the Caribbean.