Doors open for ARC 2024

ARC 2024 © World Cruising Club

On Sunday we waved goodbeye to the 94 ARC+ yachts, and on Monday we welcomed our 142 ARC yachts to the event hub in Las Palmas Marina.

We've also had a change of yellow shirts, as some will be flying to meet the ARC+ fleet after their 850NM passage to Mindelo.

This year's ARC yellow shirts are a mix of friendly faces old and new.

The first thing every skipper does is to 'check-in' to receive their rally ID number banner, YB tracker, the event programme, local information and a rally backpack. You'll meet Bev first as she runs the front desk. The check-in team of Martine, Lesley, Paul P are supported by Chloe and led by Suzana. Lesley and Paul P are both very experienced sailors who will be leading Wiorld ARC 2025-26 starting in January from Saint Lucia, and this time last year Chloe was sailing with her family in ARC+ 2023..

On safety inspections we have Roger, Benno, Bones and Mats.The safety equipment inspectors will check all the boats before departure, ensuring that they have the right equipment onboard to keep the crew and boat safe during the crossing. Roger has been our safety equipment chief for many years, and has thousands of sea miles under his boots. With wife Anna (in the ARC Shop), Bones was one half of the successful Emily Morgan charter yacht with multiple Atlantic crossings between them.

In the ARC Shop are Clare and Anna. The Shop is the place to come to book activities like the ARC Forest trip, buy rally T-shirts and merchandise. Its always worth asking Clare and Anna if you have a question about any aspect of the rally or Atlantgic sailing - both are experienced sailors. Also in the ARC Shop are representatives of the tourist board and Dolar car rental, so you can make the most of your time in Las Palmas and explore.

Helping to tell your stories around the world are Rachel and Michelle in the media team. If you've got a story you'd like to share about your life, your journey to the ARC or your plans when you get to the Caribbean, pop in and say hello.

Alvaro is our Canarian 'Mr Fix-it' and Paul T is our helmsman, keeping the rally on course.