ARC 2025 Opening Ceremony brings vibrant colours to Las Palmas de Gran Canaria

Excitement is growing ahead of ARC 2025 following a vibrant Opening Ceremony Parade in the Port of Las Palmas.

This year marks the 40th edition of this iconic transatlantic sailing rally which will see sailors from over 30 nations come together to fulfil their dreams of sailing across the Atlantic Ocean.

Just one week away from the start of their epic 2700NM voyage, the Opening Ceremony marked a significant point in the countdown to the start date as participants make their final preparations before they set sail to Saint Lucia next Sunday, 23 November.

The opening ceremony began at the northern end of the marina, where participants gathered holding flags from their respective countries. There was then a colourful procession along the main promenade of the Port of Las Palmas which finished next to the main marina offices.

There was a joyous atmosphere throughout the parade, which was only further enhanced by the local bands Banda Guiniguada and Batucada Samba Isleña, who joined the procession and entertained the onlooking crowds.

Participants were welcomed by the councillor of the City Council of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, D. Pedro Quevedo, who attended the event on behalf of the City Hall of Las Palmas, as well as the Marina Manager, Dácil La Camera, representing the Port Authority of Las Palmas.

There was also a special 'Saint Lucian feel' to the parade thanks to the attendance of Iana Feurvere-Jacobs from the Saint Lucia Tourism Authority, alongside members of the Saint Lucia diaspora living in London. Their traditional Caribbean dress in an already colourful parade helped to set the tone for participants and what they can expect after they complete their transatlantic voyages.

Following the parade, Marley Tonkin, who is sailing onboard Aurelia T, said: "The opening ceremony was amazing. I loved how there were all the flags and everyone was in great spirits.

"The people of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria have been great. They're all so friendly and we've had an amazing time with them.

"Crossing the Atlantic always felt like that next stage, but now it's getting to the day I'm starting to get a little bit apprehensive. That said, I'm so excited for it! I think it's going to be a once in a lifetime opportunity and I can't wait."

After the parade, the fantastic atmosphere amongst participants continued, with the return of the ARC Dinghy Race.

This event is a paddle race around Las Palmas Marina, featuring a wide variety of small boats. Many of the ARC participants took part and there were also entries from 13 local organisations and businesses, as locals from Gran Canaria are encouraged to get as involved as possible with public ARC events. Many individuals from Gran Canaria will come along to support the sailors from the marina pier on the start day and this creates an enthusiastic 'buzz' as the fleet sets off.

After the Dinghy Race, participants gathered at the waterside for a short prizegiving ceremony and prizes were distributed for 'First crew over the line', 'First dinghy', 'Best dressed crew', 'Best spirit' and 'Best dressed vessel'. The prizes were handed out by Pedro and Mabi, the son and daughter of Don Pedro 'Texaco', who was the original founder of the ARC Dinghy Race and the prizes were kindly donated by local businesses Alisios, Ahembo, Hiperdino and Sailors Bay Bar.

For several years, the ARC Dinghy Race has not been a feature of the ARC Programme, so its return marks just one of the ways that ARC organisers, World Cruising Club, are aiming to make the 40th edition of the rally special.

For the next week, the countdown to the ARC start date will intensify and participants will aim to make the most of all the other fantastic elements of the ARC programme which include safety demonstrations, ocean cruising seminars and social events.

After setting off on 23 November, most crews will take between 18 and 21 days to reach Saint Lucia where they will be greeted by the unfailing Caribbean hospitality.

For many of the participants, completing the ARC is a 'bucket list' activity, so the sense of achievement will be massive as they complete this major sailing passage.