This annual transatlantic rally starting each November in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, has now become the most popular way to cross the Atlantic. The largest transocean sailing event in the world, every year the ARC brings together over 200 yachts from all over the world. The Caribbean destination is Rodney Bay in St.Lucia, one of the most beautiful islands in the Lesser Antilles. The 2700 nautical mile passage on the NE tradewind route takes on average between 14 and 21 days.
Conceived as a friendly race for cruising yachts to make the Atlantic crossing both safer and more enjoyable, participating yachts must carry a range of safety equipment including a liferaft, EPIRB and VHF radio. Daily radio nets contribute further to the safety of participants. The presence of experienced sailors is another incentive for those with little offshore experience.
The ARC has a special flavour, which successfully combines racers with cruisers, old with young, and provides entertainment for all. A wide ranging programme of entertainment takes place both before the start and after the finish. The ARC enjoys the support of the Tourist Authority of Gran Canaria, the Port Authority of Las Palmas, Rol Nautic and the St.Lucia Board of Tourism.
KEY DETAILS
- The ARC departs from Las Palmas de Gran Canaria and crosses to Rodney Bay, St.Lucia on 22 November, 2009
- The ARC is open to cruising monohulls with a minimum length of 8.23-25.91m (27 to 85ft) and cruising catamarans from 8.23 - 18.29m (27 to 60 ft) LOA. Yachts outside these sizes may be permitted to join in the Open Division.
- The competitive side of the event will be catered for by the Racing Division, rated under the IRC Handicap System, run under the auspices of the Royal Ocean Racing Club.
- The World Cruising handicap is used to calculate results in the cruising classes, in which motoring is permitted.
- A full programme of social activities, safety seminars and demonstrations will be organised by World Cruising Club in Las Palmas prior to the start, and after the finish in St.Lucia.
- Confirmed entrants receive regular newsletters about the ARC, containing useful information about planning an Atlantic crossing, updates on entries and safety tips.
We invited a few friends along for the day aboard KINGDOM. Troy (dockmaster at Marigot Bay Marina), Imbert (master mechanic and craftsman) and his wife Marianne, Dominick (General Manager of the Hotel at Marigot Bay) and Dominick's parents, Bettina and Hans, who happened to be visiting from their home in Germany.
Dominick provided a lovely selection of breakfast pastries, rolls, and fresh orange juice for our brunch underway.
A view of the fleet, assembling in Castries Harbor - I think we counted a total of about 30 boats
The sailboats are all milling around in the harbour under sail - we stayed well out of their way
Imbert and Marianne observing the gathering of the fleet in Castries harbour
Bettina - Dominick's Mom - a lovely lady!
The Flotilla, leaving Castries Harbour
The Heiniken crew toasts KINGDOM
Imbert and Marianne brunching on the flybridge
Dockmaster Troy - believe it or not, his wife is terrified of the sea - we tried to get her to come along!
Hans (Dominick's Dad) relaxes on the Aft Deck lounge
The flotilla makes its way northward to Rodney Bay
It was Imbert's Sunday off work, after all...
Troy, don't you dare!
The square-rigged UNICORN was one of the boats used for filming Pirates of the Caribbean movies)
One of the Royal Clipper line of Cruise ships - anchored in Rodney Bay
Bowsprit of the Clipper - these things are massive, and are actually working sailing ships
Imbert - still napping
Troy and Dominick on thee flybridge
News media at the awards event in Rodney Bay Marina
Rear view of Emcee Danielle on the right - Event coordinator for the St. Lucia Yacht Club
Bettina and Hans (Dominick's parents) at the Rodney Bay Marina
All in all, it was a fun day for all of us!
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