ARC+ docks hum with the thrill of farewells

After weeks, months and years of preparation, it’s time for the off as start day for the 13th edition of ARC+ is finally here! Its buzzing with excitement and anticipation around the docks as crews get ready to slip their lines and head out to the start. It’s time to bid farewell to family, friends and fellow participants, and to enjoy the experience as a sea of faces cheer and waive flags from shore as crews from 30 different countries depart for their Atlantic adventure.

“Participants will have prepared for a long time for this day and today is an exciting one because all that hard work and preparation is coming together,” explained Paul Tetlow, World Cruising Club Managing Director. “We feel that participants have really benefitted from the programme of social and seminar activities over the last 10 days and are now feeling really well prepared for the start so that they can just go and enjoy themselves and have fun.”

Listen and watch on Facebook Live
The ARC+ media team will be out and about around the docks talking to crews as they leave the docks and will go live on Facebook to bring all the action to those watching at home or not lucky enough to experience the wonderful atmosphere here in Las Palmas.

1000 UTC - Live from the docks

1100 UTC – Live from the breakwater

1235 UTC – Live from the Committee Boat out at the start

Weather conditions for the departure are looking good for the 86 boats this afternoon. First off will be the 29 multihulls at 1245 UTC, followed by 54 monohulls and 3 boats in the open division at 1300 UTC. Northeasterly winds of 15 knots are predicted at that time, and as the boats travel down the east coast of Gran Canaria, they will expect some acceleration as they head around the bottom of the island. “It’s looking like good conditions for today’s ARC+ start in terms of direction and strength. It should be a nice introduction to sailing on the first leg. Looking further ahead it is likely that boats will lose the wind a little in the middle of their passage time to Mindelo, Cape Verde, so hopefully they will make the most of the first half,” continued Paul Tetlow.