Busy schedule begins for ARC crews in Las Palmas

by World Cruising Club on 11 Nov 2014 Following yesterday’s departure of the ARC+ fleet, the ARC schedule continues today in Las Palmas, with a busy day of check ins and plenty of crews visiting the ARC Office and Shop in the marina. The first ARC Sundowner takes place this evening at Federacion de Vela from 18:30 and promises to be a lively evening as many crews come together for the first time.

For crews already in Las Palmas, information about the exciting two week programme is available in the Shop, via daily emails and morning broadcasts and in the pack of information provided at check-in.

The ARC is known to be a very social rally, and there are parties and events for crews almost every night. The programme began on Friday with the official ARC+ Farewell and ARC Welcome party, a spectacular night hosted by the Las Palmas City Council.

Starting this evening, the nightly Sundowners in the Federacion de Vela (next to the ARC Offices) are an opportunity to get off the boat, to mix and mingle and to get the evening started.

There are Crew Suppers for all boats, and special suppers for the family boats and those sailing with just two people.

The ARC isn't just about sailing! Participants are invited plant trees in the ARC Forest (Friday 14), supporting a local initiative that has seen over 1200 trees planted to date by crews. There's also the opportunity to take a bus tour of exploring the mountains and views of Gran Canaria or a guided walk around the old city of Las Palmas. The Tourist Information office located next to the ARC Terrace helps crews discover the many local highlights.

The extensive ARC seminar programme begins on Thursday 13th and covers topics from provisioning to rigging, electronics to down wind sailing. Held at the Real Club Nautico during the first week, and Hotel Santa Catalina in week two, these seminars provide plenty of practical information for the crossing and top tips from the experienced ARC team with thousands of ocean miles of knowledge to share.

On the morning of Thursday 20 safety demonstrations take place, where the local lifeboat and rescue helicopter demonstrate high line transfers, our safety team demonstrate how to fire flares, and we run a 'get wet' session with a liferaft in the swimming pool.

This year there are over 30 children taking part in the ARC. All children aged between six and 16 years are welcome to join a week-long kid's club in week two. This gives parents a chance to get the boat ready in peace and quiet, and the youngsters something interesting to do outside the marina. The kid's club is run by professionals, and takes the children dinghy sailing, on excursions around the island, visits to museums and to fun parks. World Cruising website