 |
|
ARC2007 - aboard Great Escape
From its inception in 1986, the Atlantic Rally for Cruisers or more commonly referred to
as "The ARC", has become a firm favourite with those making their first ocean crossing.
The concept has been so successful, that many have returned, in subsequent years, to
repeat the experience.
ARC 2007 leaves Las Palmas on 25th November and follows the traditional Clipper route
to the West Indies. Christopher Columbus followed the same route when he discovered
America. It is downwind sailing all the way to St Lucia following the warm Easterly
Trades. The passage takes on average approximately 17 to 19 Days, with a distance of
2,700 nautical miles.
However, participants must realise that you are at the hands of the weather and the 2005
took 22 days after an initial 7 days of headwinds from Las Palmas.
Crew will be expected to join the yacht in Gran Canaria any time after 21st November but
before 24th in order to help prepare the yacht, provisioning etc for the trip. There is of
course time to join in the many fun events and lectures in the run up to the start.
Although primarily designated a rally, there is a race element involved and prizes to be
won. For 2007 we are looking to use spinnakers during the crossing and therefore feel
that some crew training/teambonding should be conducted in the UK prior to joining in
Las Palmas. To this end we propose running a weekend training session to cover
spinnaker flying, night sailing and watch keeping.
You will be on the start line on Sunday 25th November in amongst 200 or more other
yachts, a very exciting moment. After leaving the Canary Islands, the yachts separate
and drop out of sight, leaving you to sail the beautiful blue water of the ocean apparently
alone. Whilst it is impossible to accurately predict the arrival time in Rodney Bay, St
Lucia, around 17-19 days would be a good estimate.
Great Escape is a Jeanneau SO 52.2. She is fully equiped for ocean sailing and operates
under a Category 0 MCA Coding. She has completed six ARC's from new.
Accommodation is in four double cabins, she has 4 heads with Showers. The total
number on the boat is limited to 8 in order that the saloon/galley area is kept clear
therefore no off watch crewmembers should be disturbed.
Your skipper will be David Wheeler. He is a qualified Yachtmaster Ocean Professional as
well as an accomplished Instructor, and has completed ARC2003 as 1st Mate and
ARC2005 and ARC2006 as Skipper of Great Escape. We will also have a Yachtmaster
Offshore as 1st Mate.
The price will be £2,800 and includes: Sextant practice (if interested), rally entry fees,
mooring and berthing costs, your berth, food, and soft drinks during the crossing.
Participants can arrive from Wednesday 21st November and are welcome to stay for 3
days after the finish; whilst in harbour food will be taken ashore at your expense.
All crew will be expected to undertake the weekend training session during the summer
prior to joining in Las Palmas. The cost of this will be £150 per head.
It is also mandatory that crew have personal insurance cover, which specifically covers
Atlantic sailing, air/sea rescue, and includes cancellation; we use
click4quote.com Mariners policy.
Crew will be expected to take an active part in sailing the boat as well as standing
watches including Cooking and general maintenance whilst at sea. Whilst at sea we
operate a No Alcohol rule. This obviously this does not apply whilst in harbour!
It is also preferable that crew have undertaken the RYA Sea Survival Course prior to the
trip. This can be arranged through Southampton Maritime Institute or the RYA.
Details of the ARC2006 can be seen at the Yacht blog at
blog.mailasail.com/greatescape
Our Skipper is happy to talk to prospective crew about the trip prior to committing. His
contact details Are David Wheeler 07780 604559.
|
