Please select your home edition
Edition
X-Yachts Leaderboard 2024 1

2021 ARC - A hive of activity ahead of Sunday's start

by World Cruising Club 18 Nov 2021 21:43 UTC
2021 ARC © ARC Atlantic Rally for Cruisers

Four days until start day and the clock is ticking, so there's a hive of activity around the docks as well as in the ARC shop and Information Centre. With the last two boats due to arrive later today, the majority are now in Las Palmas marina and most crew members have arrived to familiarise themselves with the boat and to help with final preparations. Local services and suppliers are busy dropping off van loads of provisions to boats on the docks, including large quantities of fresh fruit and vegetables from the local market, litres of water and supermarket deliveries, with what seems enough food to feed an army - or in this case, the hungry crew on board! Food and cooking during the Atlantic crossing is an important part of the daily routine and something that everyone looks forward to as they get into the rhythm of their transatlantic adventure.

Participants had a preview of what's in store on their arrival in the Caribbean as representatives from the Saint Lucia Tourist Board, Events Company Saint Lucia and IGY Rodney Bay Marina gave an informative seminar certain to whet the appetite of the arriving sailors. First up, Nicole Compton introduced the island with 'her' natural stunning beauty, and then an update on the Covid regulations currently in place. IGY Rodney Bay Marina Manager Sean Devaux was then able to specifically advise on the marine protocols for arrival, and gave an overview of the wealth of services available for participants within the marina when they arrive. From restaurants to boutique shopping, repair shops to markets with local produce, IGY Rodney Bay Marina is an excellent arrival point after the Atlantic crossing, with Sean and his team used to assisting with anything the sailors may need.

Explaining what's in store on the programme, Lavelle DuBouvois said that the fun starts right from arriving on the dock when participants will receive a bottle of local Chairman's Reserve Rum and a basket of local produce. During the arrival programme, there will be a chance to watch a cooking demonstration from a local Lucian chef and a specialist mixologist will demonstrate a few cocktail-making ideas, all from produce which participants will receive in their arrival basket. There will also be a lecture from cruising guru Chris Doyle, and social functions arranged within Saint Lucia's Covid protocols.

The ARC seminar and workshop programme continued in the afternoon with ARC weather man and round the world sailor Chris Tibbs, whose guide to the Atlantic crossing and Routing & Weather was well attended at the Metropole Club and live on Zoom. Astronavigation specialist, Stokey Woodall then gave an informative guide to the Atlantic Night Sky, which is something that all sailors are in awe of as they cross the vast ocean en route to Saint Lucia. Later in the evening, it was time for the 2021 ARC Farewell drinks function at TAO club close to the marina. With its Caribbean theme it is sure to get participants in the mood for their arrival in the tropics!

It's been busy in the ARC shop today too as crews have been buying ARC T-shirts and other rally souvenirs for themselves and as gifts for friends and family back home. The 'Not to be used for navigation' slogan on the back is as popular as ever, and the Tourist Information desk has had requests for places to visit on the island for those who have enough time to explore the sights of Gran Canaria before they head south.

Las Palmas marina has very good facilities for ARC sailors, with an abundance of restaurants and cafes where participants can enjoy local Canarian and international food. After a hard day of pre-start preparation, a sundowner at one of the watering holes, such as the Sailors Bar, opposite the ARC office is always popular. Local Canarios and tourists alike also come down each day to soak up the atmosphere and see the colourful spectacle that the ARC brings to the city each year.

As another day draws to a close there's a few days left to sort out last minute checks and to carry out the necessary procedures like PCR testing for all crew members (organised by World Cruising Club), the Skippers Briefing and all the formal processes ahead of their departure from Gran Canaria.

Related Articles

Exploring Horta with ARC Europe
It's great to see the fleet together again and off exploring the island of Faial The ARC Europe fleet has now all arrived in Horta with the final boats arriving Wednesday evening. It's great to see the fleet together again and off exploring the island of Faial. Posted on 6 Jun
Cruising through the Islands of French Polynesia
World ARC 2025-26 fleet recently spent six unforgettable weeks here The 30 yachts of the World ARC 2025-26 fleet recently spent six unforgettable weeks "free cruising" among the three main sailing archipelagos of French Polynesia: the Marquesas, the Tuamotus, and the legendary Society Islands. Posted on 21 May
ARC Europe sets sail for Bermuda
A fantastic week of activities under the beautiful Caribbean sky ARC Europe 2025 has enjoyed a fantastic week of activities under the beautiful Caribbean sky. The odd shower did not dampen enthusiasm within the participants or the Yellow Shirts. Posted on 12 May
World ARC 2024-25 concludes in Saint Lucia
The 26,000 nautical mile adventure round the world concludes World ARC 2024-25 finished on Saturday in IGY Rodney Bay Marina, Saint Lucia, from where the boats set sail 15 months and 26,000NM ago. In total, 330 people aged from a toddler to over eighty sailed on one or more stages of the rally. Posted on 23 Apr
World ARC 2025-26 in the Galapagos
From Doldrums to Delights The World ARC 2025- 26 fleet is slowly gathering in Puerto Ayora, Santa Cruz. Posted on 28 Feb
ARC 2025 - 40 years of transatlantic rallies
Following in the wake of 8,000 boats The crews who will set sail from Las Palmas de Gran Canaria this November will follow in the wake of 7,890 yachts and over 30,000 people who have sailed the rally since 1986. Posted on 15 Feb
Great Prizegiving in Santa Marta for World ARC
The prize-giving ceremony for the first leg The time in Santa Marta seemed to fly by, many happy memories were made and everyone had a great time. Posted on 21 Jan
An exciting week ahead in Santa Marta
The programme kicked off this morning with a tour to a coffee farm and waterfalls After a couple of packed days with arrivals in IGY Santa Marta, Colombia, the programme kicked off this morning with a tour to a coffee farm and waterfalls. Posted on 18 Jan
The 39th ARC comes to a close in Saint Lucia
2,700NM of ocean memories, achievments and reflection The ARC rally ethos of collective endeavour, friendship and support took centre stage at the awards ceremony on Saturday night in Rodney Bay, Saint Lucia. Posted on 22 Dec 2024
12th ARC+ Rally comes to a close in Grenada
Achievements recognised, cherished memories, and lasting friendships The final gathering of the 12th edition of the ARC+ transatlantic cruising rally took place last night in Camper & Nicholsons Port Louis Marina in Grenada. Posted on 13 Dec 2024
North Sails Loft 57 PodcastStoneways Marine 2021 - FOOTERHenri-Lloyd Dynamic Range