Iniziata la ARC 2008
Atlantic Rally CruisersOceanoVela 24 Novembre 2008 Zerogradinord 0
Atlantic Rally for Cruisers – Las Palmas de Gran Canaria – E’ iniziata ieri pomeriggio nell’abituale atmosfera festosa di Las Palmas de Gran Canaria la ventitreesima edizione dell’Atlantic Rally for Cruisers, regata transoceanica in equipaggio che ogni anno raduna scafi ed equipaggi che desiderano trasferire la barca nel caribe. Anche quest’anno il World Cruising Club, società organizzatrice dell’evento, può contare su una entry list di tutto rispetto, visto che, in complesso, a impegnarsi lunga la rotta che unisce l’isola della Canarie a St Lucia – 2.700 nm – sono duecentoundici equipaggi, presenti in rappresentanza di ventuno nazioni.
Vento sui quindici nodi e mare calmo hanno permesso ai due raggruppamenti di prendere il largo piuttosto rapidamente. I bollettini diramati nelle ore precedenti il via lasciano ben sperare gli skipper, visto che almeno per i primi giorni il tempo dovrebbe mantenersi buono, a patto di rimanere a sud della rotta più ideale.
A prendere il via per prima è stata la regata del raggruppamento Racing IRC, comprendente ventiquattro imbarcazioni. Subito al comando il Grand Soleil 37 Earendil di Pierre Caillaut, seguito dal First 47.7 Geisha di Damir Repac e dal Kerr 46 Fair Do’s VII di John Shepard. Dopo una ventina di minuti è stata la volta della flotta composta dagli scafi Cruising, guidati verso il largo dal Beneteau 57 Spirit of Lusitania di Joaquim Fortunato e dal Solaris Zero Gianba di Alessandro Mosconi.
Dopo la prima notte di navigazione, a indicare la via è l’Hanse 630 Karina di Klaus Schumacher, seguito a due miglia dallo Swan 76 Silandra V di Gianluca Braggiotti e a sette dal Dufour 44 Carpe Diem di Franz Schollmayer.
Per seguire la regata via web clicca qui.
[flashvideo filename=video/oceano/ARC2008_start.flv /]
Video courtesy World Cruising Club.
ARC 2008 IS UNDERWAY
[Atlantic Rally for Cruisers Press Release] The 23rd Atlantic Rally for Cruisers (ARC) started in spectacular style yesterday as 211 yachts from 21 different nations sailed across the start line off Las Palmas de Gran Gran Canaria, headed for their final destination, 2,700 nautical miles away in Rodney Bay, St Lucia.
The sea surface had a slight swell running after two days of gentle north easterlies, but the NE 10-15 knot breeze meant more crews than usual were hoisting spinnakers. Winds are expected to remain from the north-east with tradewind conditions likely to establish themselves, offering the prospect of a steady passage to St Lucia, with a recommendation at this stage to stay south of the rhumb line route. The good weather meant a wonderful sight for the hundreds of spectators watching afloat and ashore.
Racing Yachts Start First
Starting 20 minutes ahead of the main fleet, the 24 yachts competing in the Royal Ocean Racing Club (RORC) IRC Racing Division were all tight on the line and enjoying the excellent breeze. Sticking to the Island end of the start line, the French flagged Grand Soleil 37, Eärendil, skippered by Pierre Caillault crossed in first position, followed by Croatian Damir Repac, in his Beneteau Frist 47.7 Geisha, and John Shepard’s Kerr 46, Fair Do’s VII.
Cruisers Set Sail
However, it is the mass of cruising yachts that creates the spectacle, and a few minutes before the scheduled 13.00 start of the ARC 2008 Cruising Divisions, there was a forest of masts and sails surrounding the committee vessel – the Spanish Naval Vessel Grosa. Spirit of Lusitânia, Joaquim Fortunato’s Beneteau 57 looked impressive as they crossed the line first, followed by Alessandro Mosconi’s Solaris Zero, Gianba.
Delayed start for some yachts
Not all of the 214 yachts managed to make the start, with three yachts remaining in Las Palmas due to a variety of mechanical or equipment problems. All three – Sundowner, Juno and Tom B – are hoping to leave tomorrow (24 November).
Carnival atmosphere in the port
There was an air of excitement 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 in celebration of the start. Two bands 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.
To follow the race on he web click here.
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