First run in 1999 for a fleet of fourteen yachts of diverse design (from the Tradewind 33, Samuffin, to the maxi racing yacht Bols Sport) the route, from the Canary Islands to Salvador de Bahia in Brazil with a short stop in the Cape Verde Islands, proved popular as an alternative way to reach the Caribbean. Whilst the first leg to the Cape Verdes is straight forward, the second leg, which involves crossing the equator and therefore the doldrums, offers more of a sailing challenge than the traditional route across the North Atlantic. Making landfall in Brazil then allows participants to explore the coast of the country whilst heading to the Caribbean.
Due to continuing interest shown in the route from both previous ARC participants, and new prospective participants, and with the support of Yachting World magazine it has been decided to re-launch the rally, running it annually over the next three years. It is envisaged that the three year period will be long enough to see the number of yachts taking part grow to an acceptable level, and establish the event as a popular regular event in the cruising yachtsman's calendar.
Having previously started from Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, it has been decided to move the start of the re-launched event to Puerto Calero Marina, Lanzarote. Puerto Calero Marina offers an excellent alternative and will ensure that yachts participating in the ABC will not be overshadowed by the ARC, a criticism from the 1999 participants.
On the way across there will be a stop at Sao Vincente in the Cape Verde Islands; this archipelago off the African coast is quite spectacular and well worth visiting. On the traditional route to the Caribbean the islands are off the rhumb line course and not many yachts call in. However they are much closer to the rhumb line course to Salvador and worth making the stop, not only to break the journey, but also to see their stark beauty and experience their people's hospitality.
After a stop of a few days the yachts will continue to Salvador, a distance of just under 2000 miles, arriving well before Christmas. Once in Salvador there will be a prize giving party, and a lecture on cruising the coast of Brazil to the Caribbean.
An adventurous alternative rather than sailing north to the Caribbean is to head south to Rio da Janeiro, Mar del Plata, Puerto Williams, through the Magellan Straits, north through the Chilean Canals and back through the Panama Canal, to explore the northern Caribbean, in time to return to Europe in ARC Europe 2003! Or of course as the start of a circumnavigation!
Based on the successful ARC formula the ABC is an exciting alternative event aimed at those sailors that are looking for something different to the usual Atlantic crossing. It is envisaged that the event will particularly appeal to those who have perhaps already sailed in a previous ARC as the ABC offers the opportunity to cruise in some new areas under the familiar style of the World Cruising Club umbrella.
Similar in style to the ARC there will be some fun competition on the water,
for which all yachts will be rated with the WCC Handicap, as well as plenty
to do ashore at each port. A comprehensive skippers briefing will be held at
the start of the event and all yachts will be required to carry certain safety
equipment.
-Ends-
Contacts: Full details about the ABC can be found on the World Cruising Club website at: www.worldcruising.com/abc or contact Jeremy Wyatt at World Cruising Club on tel. +44 (0)1983 296060World Cruising Club, 120 High Street, Cowes, PO31 7AX, England
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