The ARC safety demonstrations play an important part in preparing for an Atlantic crossing and are an invaluable refresher for all skippers and crew. Safety day is always well attended and is run by World Cruising Club in association with Rob Gaffney from Hamble School of Yachting. Crews gathered to watch the search and rescue helicopter highline transfer. The skilful pilot winched a crew member on board and came very close to where ARC crews watched from the northern breakwater of the marina. This was followed by a supervised deployment of flares where participants were able to bring along handheld flares less than 1 year out of date.  In the swimming pool at the Club Varadero Maritimo there was then an opportunity for crews to learn tips on emergency evacuation, liferaft inflation demonstration and a chance to try boarding a liferaft, with guided practical sessions in the water. Some participants shared their own thoughts and onboard safety routines as they watched the demonstration: Stuart & Liz Blackledge from Finnrose, a Finnrose 45 (GBR) usually sail doublehanded but will be crossing in the ARC with a third crew member: “When we’re doublehanded we always wear our lifejackets around the boat. We use the autopilot and Hydrovane and we’ve also got a doorbell system to alert the other member of the crew that they are needed on deck. In the cockpit we have a door chime button and we press that if we need the other person on deck very quickly. We also have voice-activated handsfree walki talkies so we can hear what each other is saying in strong winds.” Tatiana Walser from Mis Amores, Wauquiez 47 (SUI) is sailing with her two small children on board: “We set up special nets around the boat and when we are sailing, the children are not allowed to go out of the cockpit. They have their imaginary lines and are not allowed to cross these. The children have been sailing on the boat since they were only a few months old and for them life on board is completely normal and they keep to the safety rules we have set.” Manfred Kerstan, Albatros, Swan 62RS (GER). This is the 18th ARC Atlantic crossing for Manfred who is sailing with 10 paying guests: “The rule is to wear lifejackets and harnesses at night. As we steer by hand nearly all the time, that’s a must. During daytime the routine is a bit less strict: lifejackets only in rough conditions." Sophie Olivaud and Gérald Durand, Albacor IV, J/109 are sailing doublehanded in the Racing Division on their small 10.75m boat: “For us safety is the most important thing so lifejackets and harnesses are a must 24 hours a day."  
|