ARC 2011 - aboard Great Escape
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| ARC2010 Crew before departure in Las Palmas |
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 2011 leaves Las Palmas on 20th November and follows the traditional Clipper route to the West Indies. Christopher Columbus followed the same route when he discovered America. It is normally downwind sailing all the way to St Lucia following the warm Easterly Trades. The passage takes on average approximately 17 to 20 Days, with a distance of 2,700 nautical miles.
However, participants must realize that you are at the hands of the weather and 2010 took 22 days with the trades not setting in properly until we were halfway.
Crew will be expected to join the yacht in Gran Canaria any time after 16th November but before 19th 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.
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| ARC2010 Fishing Club with the latest catch |
Although primarily designated a rally, there is a race element involved and prizes to be won. For 2011 we believe 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 20th 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 waters of the Atlantic Ocean apparently alone. Whilst it is impossible to accurately predict the arrival time in Rodney Bay, St Lucia, around 17-21 days would be a good estimate.
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Great Escape snapped at close quarters by
Skyelark Mid Atlantic during ARC2010 |
Great Escape is a Jeanneau SO 52.2. She is fully equipped for Ocean Sailing and operates under a Category 0 MCA Coding. She has completed eight 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
Emily Pearson who will have completed the round trip in 2010 as skipper of Great Escape. She is a qualified Yachtmaster Ocean Professional as well as an accomplished Instructor, and has completed ARC2008, 2009 as skipper of Skyelark of London and 2010 as Skipper of Great Escape.
Emily is a real water baby, there are few places that she hasn’t sailed, with over 120,000 nautical miles covered! Emily’s sailing CV reads like an atlas, from running challenge boats to Antarctica to racing round Britain and Ireland, Emily has been in every ocean on the planet in a variety of boats and conditions. In order to meet our MCA manning requirements we will also have a Commercially endorsed Yachtmaster Offshore as 1st Mate.
The price will be £3,400 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 16th November and are welcome to stay for 2 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 is included in the price.
It is also mandatory that crew have personal insurance cover, which specifically covers Atlantic sailing, air/sea rescue, and includes cancellation; we use
www.click4quote.com’s 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.
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. This is also included in the cost of the trip.
Details of the ARC2010 can be seen at the Yacht blog at
http://blog.mailasail.com/greatescape
Our Skipper is happy to talk to prospective crew about the trip prior to committing.