There’s lots of hustle and bustle in the marina right now as preparations continue and one of the busiest spots must be the local chandleries. There’s often a queue for last minute bits and pieces at Rolnautic, who have been great supporters of the event since the early days. They’ve built up a good understanding of the type of chandlery items ARC competitors may require prior to their Atlantic voyage, and offer a discount to ARC crews. Juan Carlos Rodriguez told us: “For us, having the ARC in Las Palmas is great. We are happy to welcome participants and our multi-lingual staff assist them with advice. I think Las Palmas is probably the best place for boats to depart for the Atlantic crossing in terms of the facilities, boat knowledge and sailing atmosphere.”
There’s lots to do before the crews depart but many continued with the seminar programme today, heading to the lecture theatre at the nearby Hotel Santa Catalina.Today began with Sue Johnson’s First Aid & Health at Sea lecture, a daunting topic for many who need to understand the practicalities of dealing with medical problems without a hospital or pharmacy nearby and over 150 people attended the lecture. Skippers wondering what to do after they have completed their ARC crossing were then able to find out the various options on how to return to Europe either with ARC Europe, using professional delivery crew from PYD, or by shipping the boat back home with Peters and May.
Next up, ARC Weatherman Chris Tibbs, a meteorologist and a sailor with over 250,000 nautical miles experience, packed out the seminar hall advising crews on routing options and weather to be anticipated during the crossing.
Jean Marc Flambert from the Saint Lucia Tourist Board then gave a talk all about the magnificent Caribbean island where ARC participants will make landfall. He shared tips and information with crews and let them know about what is waiting for them in beautiful Saint Lucia. Certainly worth crossing the Atlantic for!
This afternoon ARC children are joining a workshop to make props and clothing for the tonight’s Fancy Dress Party. Always one of the wildest parties on the social programme and we look forward to seeing how inventive and creative crews can be with the theme for this year – ‘Fantasy World’.
Pictures will be in the gallery and on
Facebook tomorrow if you are interested in what the ARC yellow shirts and crews from the 227 boats will be wearing.