The ARC seminars are always a popular fixture in the busy ARC programme and today saw the first in a series of special lectures by our team of experts get off to a flying start. They are organise to help crews prepare, and focus mainly on best practice and practical tips relevant to their impending Atlantic crossing. Held at the Real Club Nautico in week 1, and then the Hotel Santa Catalina, they are free for ARC participants and provide great guidance for those crossing for the first time and bright ideas for more experienced cruising sailors.
Chris Tibbs opened today’s seminar program with a lecture covering Management of Emergencies, sharing his experience from three circumnavigations, 25 trans-Atlantic crossings (including with the first and thirtieth ARCs) and approximately 250,000nm of sailing. With a fleet of over 200 boats, he explained that some boats may have problems during the crossing, but thinking through possible issues such as steering failure or planning emergency navigation techniques, discussing them as a crew and forming a good plan without the element of panic will give confidence to all those on board.
Of course, prevention of potential issues is better than cure and with this in mind rigger Jerry Henwood took the lectern to advise crews on rigging issues with particular emphasis on checking your rigging whilst at sea. He visits hundreds of ARC yachts and know the stresses that cruising boats will likely experience during the three-week crossing. Getting the rig check by a professional rigger like Jerry before setting off, and knowing what to look for on a daily inspection whist at sea can prevent the potentially dangerous situation of losing the rig. Click here for Jerry’s top tips
Chris was then back on stage just before lunch to cover the Route and Weather on an east to west transatlantic passage.
In the afternoon, Clare Pengelly hosted the Provisioning seminar. She has been in Las Palmas and Saint Lucia meeting hundreds of ARC boats over the years leaving her with a wealth of knowledge about planning meals, water consumption, contingency plans if a fridge or freezer fails, and how best to store all manner of items to keep them fresh for as long as possible – including keeping eggs away from diesel, carrots in tin foil, and handy gadgets for the best cup of tea! Meals at sea become an important part of daily life on board and carefully planning suitable meals can be the key to crew harmony. Luckily Las Palmas is an excellent port for stocking up, and local butchers, grocers and supermarkets are happy to assist crews with delivering appropriate items to the marina.
Rounding off the day, Chris covered Tips for Downwind Sailing as the ARC boats will hopefully be rocking and rolling to Saint Lucia on the trade winds. He talked through different sail combinations, and potential areas of chafe or additional wear. With an element of friendly competition in the ARC, he also talked about getting the best performance and the debate of VMG versus heading straight for the finish line.
Most ARC seminars are repeated during the second week when many more crew are expected to come and join their boats in Las Palmas. After a busy day of learning, it’s now time of a well earned ARC sundowner!