(Las Palmas, Canary Islands)- The ARC is a ‘must do’ for many sailors
and attracts over 200 boats and 1,200 people every year to sail 2,800 nm
across the Atlantic from Las Palmas on Grand Canary Island to Saint
Lucia in the Caribbean. Las Palmas has been the 'home' of the ARC since the very first edition of the rally in 1986. It is a natural departure point for boats crossing the Atlantic from Europe to the Caribbean, and all summer and autumn boats will converge on the port of Las Palmas from northern Europe and the Mediterranean.
The Canary Islands are located at the edge of the tradewind belt, so boats leaving the islands will sail south (until the butter melts, as the saying goes) until they pick up the north east trade-winds which then blow them west across the Atlantic. The ARC starts in late November when the trade-winds become established, and the boats arrive at the end of the Caribbean hurricane season.
The
ARC is for everyone; families with children, tough racers, cruising
couples, big budgets, and modest boats. Crossing the Atlantic together,
but having their own adventures. More than just a boat race, the ARC is
about friendships made ashore in the two weeks of pre-departure
activities continued over the "radio net" at sea. It’s about arriving in
Saint Lucia to be met on the dock with a rum punch and a chilled beer,
knowing you have achieved something fantastic - crossing an ocean on a
small sailboat.
At
the start of this year's edition, the weather forecast was a bit more
exciting than it had been in previous races. The low pressure that had
been affecting the area was centered about 50NM south east of Gran
Canaria at 1009mb and would continue to track southeast and develop
moderate to strong northeast flow of 15-25 kts for several days. Plus,
some clouds and squally showers were also expected to cross the area
with the squalls containing some strong gusts of wind.For the first time in ARC history, the start took place within the busy port of Las Palmas, with the boats maneuvering just outside the marina entrance, before starting on a line between the two harbour breakwaters. Commercial traffic in the port came to a standstill for an hour, and even joined in the fun by hooting their horns.
The
second start at 1100 was the cruising division with 155 boats - quite a
spectacle! One of the boats leading the charge was the J/145 ACE
sailed by Rob Grimm and their small offshore team (their reports are
below). The clear skies just before the start were quickly replaced by
total cloud cover bringing squalls of 25 knots and rain showers. The
boats were warned about the wind acceleration zones off the island shore
and many prepared by reefing early.In addition to ACE, the J/109 ALBACOR IV is being sailed by Sophie Olivaud from France in Racing Division II. Joining them in the same division is the J/122 JOLLY JELLYFISH sailed by a British team.
As for the J/145 ACE, we received the first report from Captain Rob Grimm. "The first 24 hrs at sea- fair winds, fast sailing, all is well. 230 nm in first 24 hrs! We set off at 1100 yesterday from Las Palmas in 25 kts of breeze with moderate following sea, quickly settled into a routine of surfing and showers, followed by a fairly tiring night but all caught up on sleep now.
ACE is, as ever, looking after us well, a dry boat, fast and forgiving. Wind has dropped off considerably now, overcast and a bit rolley. Peter has his fishing rod out in hope of sashimi later!
On the subject of food- breakfast, lunch and dinner have been expertly prepared by William so far, and I am happy to report that all meals have subsequently stayed exactly where they should be-- within the diners.
I have to say that I am mightily impressed how all us rusty sailors have settled into life at sea, are enjoying each others company, and look forward to some great sailing ahead. Of course although we are very much enjoying the experience, thoughts do often turn to home and knowing you are all sharing this with us in some way, certainly helps. That's all from me, keep following us!" Rob
For the third day out, the nautical scribe was Peter Sabbeth. "From the smiles, It's clear that everyone is full of possibility at this point. Our third unbelievable day sailing has everyone fighting for their time behind the wheel. We are regularly sailing at 10+ knots, with surfing rides that easily push the boat to 15, 16, 17, and even 18 knots! I hit 19 once, and Chris hit 21!! All with white sails! Hopefully we will get to the spinnakers soon, though no one is eager to give up these amazing reaching stints.
A pod of dolphins arrived a few minutes ago just as we were tucking into our citrus/vegetable soup, expertly cooked by galley king, William. The dolphins stayed for 15 minutes or so, acrobatically jumping from wave to wave bidding us a good journey. Last night's moon made the night watches a dream, while the full moons departure seemed to help everyone get their Atlantic sleeping rhythm. Perhaps that might be adding to the intensity of today's smiles as well.
A few of us had our first showers, even those who didn't shower appreciated the showers of those that did. Chris and I were thinking of opening our night club in the forward cabin this evening-- the question is whether we should charge admission? Sorry Jackson, we have been moving too fast to fish so far!" Cheers, Peter. You can follow all the sailing teams on the ARC Tracker
