Blue Sea, Sunshine, Flying Fish and ARC Flags.

capnsensible

capnsensible

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Anyone on here doing the ARC this year? Or cruising over?

The Canarian marinas are getting packed as is usual this time of year. Lots of excited people around preparing their yachts having arrived from the North. Boatyards busy. Gives the place a buzz.

We are on a 10m berth pontoon in Rubicon and its the busiest Ive seen it in 3 years of boats readying themselves for the ocean although theres plenty of bigger yachts too.

Sailing out of Calero on wednesday the trickle of yachts southbound is steady. We saw an impressive pod of Dolphins so I mentioned how its getting on for flying fish season. Boat is a Catalina 42 if anyone wants to know a bit about them, belongs to a friend and Ive sailed it a good few times now.

Anyway, after talking about that whilst out this morning for a couple of hours - Beneteau 331, likewise- hey presto, first flying fish of the season. Waters warmer.

Good luck to all those heading over this year. :encouragement:
 
I am doing the ARC this year (as crew). I have read a few forum threads and am trying to keep my kit to a reasonably compact quantity. Any further hints and tips on gear would be appreciated.
 
I reckon the best thing any crew can bring on board is the enthusiasm, when something breaks, to go straight to the skipper and say 'what can I do to help'.
 
Halo said:
I am doing the ARC this year (as crew). I have read a few forum threads and am trying to keep my kit to a reasonably compact quantity. Any further hints and tips on gear would be appreciated.
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Sextant, nautical almanac and SRT? More stimulating, challenging and fun compared to a Kindle.

I have a crew place departing late December. I also have a Thomas Cook return flight ticket :eek: Oh dear.
 
Halo said:
I am doing the ARC this year (as crew). I have read a few forum threads and am trying to keep my kit to a reasonably compact quantity. Any further hints and tips on gear would be appreciated.
Click to expand...

As has been said, Kindle with your choice of reading. Ipod/phone/mp3 player with podcasts, audio books and music. 12v chargers for above.....
Don’t load yourself down with lots of clothes, a pair of lightweight trousers and a decent fleece for chilly night watches until you get far enough south, then shorts and tee shirts.
Sense of humour.
Bottle of fizz for half way point will earn many brownie points.
 
Im planning to do the crossing this winter via Canaries. Leaving UK early Jan. Hope to be in Carribean end Feb mid march. Single handed.
Anyone around on SSB ?
 
capnsensible said:
Anyone on here doing the ARC this year? Or cruising over?

The Canarian marinas are getting packed as is usual this time of year. Lots of excited people around preparing their yachts having arrived from the North. Boatyards busy. Gives the place a buzz.

We are on a 10m berth pontoon in Rubicon and its the busiest Ive seen it in 3 years of boats readying themselves for the ocean although theres plenty of bigger yachts too.

Sailing out of Calero on wednesday the trickle of yachts southbound is steady. We saw an impressive pod of Dolphins so I mentioned how its getting on for flying fish season. Boat is a Catalina 42 if anyone wants to know a bit about them, belongs to a friend and Ive sailed it a good few times now.

Anyway, after talking about that whilst out this morning for a couple of hours - Beneteau 331, likewise- hey presto, first flying fish of the season. Waters warmer.

Good luck to all those heading over this year. :encouragement:
Click to expand...
Do you keep yur butter in the fridge!
 
KellysEye said:
Fulll wet weather gear and boots there can be squalls, we wanted them because we had light winds and got lucky when they showed up.
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Could be different if get (unusual) wet and upwind weather, but in our experience last year i would suggest
- definitely waterproof jacket - can be very wet in squalls (and in Gran Canaria pre departure)
- rarely had time to put on waterproof trousers before squalls, and too hot if had them on any other time - person with water resistant shorts had best idea
- was happy that left boots behind. Most crew sailed in bare feet, but I don’t like that due to risk of toe injuries. Second pair of lightweight sailing shoes allowed first pair to dry when soaked (twice had to tip rain water out of them), and much lighter to bring than Dubarrys

PS. Agree with Kindle, plus good hat with brim (and string or spare). Enjoy
 
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