Atlantic Rally for Cruisers, destinazione Rodney Bay
Atlantic Rally CruisersOceanoVela 25 Novembre 2009 Zerogradinord 0
Atlantic Rally for Cruisers – Las Palmas – Ha preso il via domenica pomeriggio la ventiquattresima edizione dell’Atlantic Rally for Cruisers, classica transoceanica utilizzata da molti armatori per trasferire le proprie imbarcazioni dal Vecchio Continente ai Caraibi. Il percorso è quello di sempre: 2700 miglia da Las Palmas a Rodney Bay. La partenza, data con vento leggero sullo sfondo di una giornata di sole, ha visto gli oltre duecento iscritti prendere il largo e lanciarsi verso il rinforzo della brezza che già in serata soffiava attorno ai 18-23 nodi.
I primi a tagliare la linea di partenza sono state le imbarcazioni della divisione regata: diciotto barche, protagoniste di un avvio molto combattuto a dispetto del lunghissimo percorso. Il Maxi Umatalu è stato pizzicato in OCS e ha rimediato una penalità di tre ore. Ottimo start, invece, per il Grand Soleil 50 Katawa, dell’italiano Andrea Costa, e al Wally 80 Bagheera. Tutti gli scafi del raggruppamento sono stati dotati di rilevatore di posizione Iridium e possono essere seguiti via web cliccando qui.
Alle 13 è stata la volta degli scafi da crociera, vera anima dell’ARC. Centonovanta barche di varie dimensioni – il più piccolo è un 29 piedi britannico, Zahara – hanno sfruttato la brezza per allontanarsi rapidamente dalla linea di partenza, nella scia del Bavaria 51 Celox 2, scattato puntuale al secondo. Immediati sono arrivati i primi ritiri: a rimettere la prua verso il porto sono stati Su An, messo fuori causa dal manifestarsi da problemi al motore, Himiglaeva, rientrato per attendere alcuni pezzi di ricambio, ed Erasmos I, speronato da una barca entrata nella zona di esclusione.
ATLANTIC RALLY FOR CRUISERS, DESTINATION RODNAY BAY
[Source Atlantic Rally for Cruisers] The 24th Atlantic Rally for Cruisers (ARC) started in spectacular style today as 209 yachts from 30 nations sailed across the start line off Las Palmas de Gran Canaria headed for their final destination, 2,700 nautical miles away in Rodney Bay, St Lucia.
Mostly sunny skies and a light north-easterly breeze provided a picture perfect start for spectators on and off the water. After crossing the start line in light 8-10 knot conditions, a colourful display of spinnakers were hoisted to help the yachts on their way. Winds are forecast to increase to 18-23 knots and, with the Azores high strengthening today, crews can expect moderate trade wind conditions for the first part of their crossing.
Racing Yachts Start First
18 yachts competing in the ARC 2009 Racing Divisions, run under the auspices of the Royal Ocean Racing Club (RORC) were first to start from a line that ran from the Naval Ship Committee Vessel, Medas to a laid mark inshore to the west south-west. As the start signal was given, the expected winds had not yet filled in, so it was a struggle to keep spinnakers flying in the awkward swell.
In testing conditions, the IOR Maxi Umatalu (Anthony Balme, UK) was early over the line, earning a 3-hour time penalty. The first clear starter, a Grand Soleil 50, Katawa (Andreas Costa, Italy), was closely followed by the sleek black Wally 80 Bagheera, (Kemal Cingilliogle, Turkey) and the German JV53, Auliana II.
For the first time, all the yachts in the ARC Racing Division have been fitted with Iridium satellite trackers, provided by Yellowbrick Adventure Tracking. A special leader board on the event website will show estimated finish times and predicted corrected rankings as the race progresses, with yacht positions polled every six hours, all visible by clicking here.
Cruisers Set Sail
At 13.00, the cruising yachts, forming the majority of the fleet, created the now familiar ARC spectacle as 190 boats, of varying sizes and design, including the smallest yacht in the fleet, the Sadler 29 Zahara (GBR), set off towards St Lucia. The wind had increased slightly by this time, and at 10-12 knots, was enough to provide the gentle start most cruisers prefer. Gottfried Poessl’s Bavaria 51 Celox2 (Austria) was first across in the clear start.
Not all of the 210 yachts on the entry list crossed the start line; one did not make the start and two returned: Su An, Lutz and Gabi Pestel (Germany), unfortunately had engine problems and were unable to complete repairs in time for the 1300 start. They hope to leave tomorrow (23 November) so should catch up with the fleet. The French-registered Himinglaeva, Harald Wendelbo’s Hanse 350, took the start, but returned to port to await spares expected tomorrow. Ron Stubbington’s Bavaria 44, Erasmos I from Canada, also returned to Las Palmas having been struck by a local spectator craft that had entered the starting area exclusion zone. With help from ARC official chandlery Rolnautic, who opened especially to assist, the crew are hoping to set sail again tomorrow.
Carnival Send-off
There was an air of excitement and celebration throughout the marina this morning, as crowds of spectators waved off the fleet. The dock was full of well-wishers in carnival mode, cheering and dancing to the loud music blaring out from the Texaco Dock in celebration. Yachts were bid farewell from Las Palmas via loud speakers around the port and Banda Guayadra provided by the Ayuntamiento de Las Palmas (City Hall) marched around the marina serenading every pontoon to add to the festival feel.
Boats had to identify themselves as they left the marina and headed through a ‘gate’ before making their way to the start line. To the delight of the spectators, several crews dressed up for their departure and got into the spirit of the event. There were long blonde wigs aboard Blonde Moment; Irish leprechaun hats on Liberty and Mexican waves from the 10-man crew of Swan 62RS Albatros.
Follow the Action Online
News from the fleet can be found on the official ARC website where daily yacht position reports will be displayed and visitors can view individual route maps for each yacht. Crews will also contribute daily logs and images direct to the site.
No comments so far.
Be first to leave comment below.