It’s been a busy few days here in Las Palmas as the ARC+ fleet make final preparations before they embark upon their 850NM passage to the Cape Verde Islands. Crews have enjoyed a wide variety of social events over the past few evenings, with another fantastic Sundowner on Thursday, and the official ARC+ farewell and ARC Welcome fiesta held at the Marina Club Terraza on Friday night.
Friday nights ARC+ Farewell & ARC Welcome party was a raging success as over 400 participants from both rallies enjoyed a truly magnificent evening of entertainment. Participants were greeted on arrival by colourful performers welcoming them to the Club as they were handed complimentary refreshments at the door.
Andrew Bishop and Señor Pablo Barbero, the Concial de Ayuntamiento welcomed the rallies and thanked the Las Palmas City Council for hosting this spectacular event at the Marina Club. Andrew Bishop took the opportunity to invite Pekka Karlsson from Corona Aq up to the stage as he had sailed on the very first ARC back in 1986, then again in 1995 and 2001 all with the same boat, his trusty Laurin 32. After four atlantic crossings with the ARC he thought that was enough but when he heard about the launch of ARC+, Pekka and his wife Barbro agreed they had always wanted to visit the Cape Verde Islands so signed up to ARC+. Following speeches, performers paraded through the buzzing venue with an acrobatic display, which would not be forgotten.
‘That was truly a magnificent show and a very well executed event’ – Steve Ellyatt, Yacht Silent Wings
ARC+ skippers checked out at the office this morning before making their way to Club Varadero for the Skippers briefing. Chris Tibbs provided crew with the all-important weather forecast:
A fairly light-wind start to the day, however quickly picking up in the afternoon as they head further South. Yachts need to look out for the acceleration zone as they approach the airport approximately half way down the East coast of Gran Canaria. The fleet will then experience moderate trade winds all the way to Cape Verdes, averaging 13-18kts from the North-East. They can expect mainly clear skies with isolated squalls.
We also welcome out latest arrival to the ARC+ fleet, Yacht Solar Bluw which arrived overnight in Friday. They have now checked in with us at the office and hope to see them on the start line for 13:00 on Sunday afternoon.
.