Has the ARC lost sight of its role

[Talbot]

The title of ARC is Atlantic Rally for Cruisers. Every year it appears that more and more of the entrants are dedicated racers in their go-faster machines, and that the people for whom this event originated are being squeezed out because they are - well cruisers not racers /forums/images/icons/frown.gif. The original concept was effectively a journey across the pond in company with other boats for those people who were a little unsure of doing the trip on their own. If you look at the participants this year the majority of them are really racing not cruising.

Perhaps we need a new organisation called "<font color=blue>The Real Atlantic Rally for Cruisers</font color=blue>"

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[waterboy]

Here here

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[Guest]

Post deleted by danfoley

 

[Birdseye]

I sympathise. But its inevitable. Dont you ever look out of the side of your eye at the boat alongside, and then give the sails a tweek. "you should have seen how we romped past him" or "he pulled ahead, but of course I wasn t racing him and we were far more heavily laden".

So it inevitably developes into a race, and then you find wealthy men (and some yacht builders) anxious for the kudos of winning. Like motor racing, where there have been repeated attempts to find a cheap formula, there is always someone who will push the limits.

If you just want to cruise - do so.



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[webcraft]

there's nothing to stop anyone else from organising "The Real Atlantic Rally for Cruisers" if they think there's a market to exploit

Or on the other hand someone could do it because it was a nice thing to do, they had oodles of spare time and wanted to do something for the sailing community . . . or am I being ludicrously naive??

- N

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[Twister_Ken]

I have a mate who ARC'ed out but didn't ARC back, just toddled off home when he wanted. He felt he enjoyed the return trip more because they weren't forever wondering how they were doing compared with other boats

<hr width=100% size=1><A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.writeforweb.com/twister1>Let's Twist Again</A>

 

[ccscott49]

When I finally take englnder over, it will not be with the ARC, I just dont see the point of trying to beat somebody across, nor all the bullshit involved, just so you can come back and brag about it in the yacht club bar. If you need to have your hand held crossing the atløantic, then you shouldn`t be there! I feel it degrades the achievement. IMHO of course.

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[Talbot]

I am with you on that, however I believe the original concept of the ARC does have validity.

What really gets me irate /forums/images/icons/frown.gif is that the ARC book all the marina slots at a time when a lot of cruisers would like to waddle across the pond. /forums/images/icons/crazy.gif

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[AndrewB]

Don't let that put you off. They ARC boats huddle together like frightened bunnies. Just keep clear of Las Palmas and Rodney Bay.

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[mldpt]

While we are on this subject of crossing the Atlantic, I would like to read up about it, tides weather time of the year when its best done, any ideas as what to read.
Mike.

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[philmarks]

Agree with you Colin. I'm a couple of years away from doing the crossing. For me the ARC would reduce the sense of achievement. I sail to get away from all the "Joneses" crap, to be completely independent, and to solve my own problems in my own way.

I do envy them the reduced hassle they get with clearing in and out, reduced berthing rates etc, but you can't have everything.

Still, it suits some people and that's OK with me.
Phil

<hr width=100% size=1>Rgds
Phil

 

[ccscott49]

I wont bother with reduced rates, I carry my own marina and I have a 65kg anchor, so that will do nicely!


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[philmarks]

I've got some big iron too, but sadly I have to leave the boat to go to work (and expect that to continue for a wee bit longer)!

BTW was thinking of Alghero next year, but read on liveaboard that you've had a miserable spell there. I hope it's improving for you now.

Phil

<hr width=100% size=1>Rgds
Phil

 

[ccscott49]

It`s fine if you intend to leave the boat there and go home. But as a liveaboard, no, it`s a nice place, but a bit dead in the winter. Not particulary well sheltered harbour either. Nice people, but my brother and I are the only liveaboards, in what is a big harbour. Rome would have been better, never mind we live and learn.

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[tcm]

Re: ARC for true cruisers

Not naive, idealistic perhaps?

The ARC charges entyr fees for the crossing to pay for erm parties each end and and um, costs of support and inspection crew, radio net etc.

However, they can't exactly be making a killing by any stetch of the imagination and they are reasonable to charge somethiong, otherwise they'd lose money, or find something even more interesting. Otherwise it would be a bit like running a village shop which makes no money - eventually, despite all the nice customers, doing something else (perhaps going sailing on your own)is more attractive and less expensive.

I think that phrase " market to exploit" that got you going? I hate the phrase too, along with "he's done very well for himself" as though making a pile of loot is/was the sole objective. I believe that nobody ever makes a lot of money AND had a good time if they start a project solely with this mythically right-wing attitude. They set off to see if something can be done, or to see if something doable can be done better. Depending on what it is, they might make money, or not, but if they liked doing it anyway it will be a success.

Back to the ARC : I don't believe there is a market (oops, i mean, demand?) for a "slowcoaches only - no posh racy boats!" transat cruise. The ARC attracts all who cruise in company, a good proportion of whom will see how fast they can go.

In any case, if they was a true cruisers non-pushy loafers-only ARC, would they arrive at the start on time? or set off together? Or bother calling in? I rather like it here, and there a little bay round the corner, you know....


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[webcraft]

Re: ARC for true cruisers

Otherwise it would be a bit like running a village shop which makes no money . . .

Been there, done that, got the T-Shirt . . .

Seriously, if people want to cross the pond in company but not with the ARC, surely these forums are the ideal place to organise an informal DIY alternative.

- Nick



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[philmarks]

Re: ARC for true cruisers

Ah that's the rub - "organise.. informal..". Each to his own of course, but the OSTAR or whatever it is now called under our Ellen started that way (and, I suspect, the ARC too).

We all know that two boats heading roughly the same way is a race, formal or not. We all end up tweaking our widgets to see who's better.

Phil

<hr width=100% size=1>Rgds
Phil

 

[tcm]

Re: ARC for true cruisers

No - Webcraft and I will lounge around at the back and i will PROVE that he is secretly more competetive er er oh damnit...

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[BlueSkyNick]

Even the home page of ybw.com, has the headline: "<A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.ybw.com/yw/arc03/> ARC 2003 race</A>"

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[HaraldS]

I think there are at least two more choices to the ARC, when it comes to travel in pre-organized company on this particular route. So there should be something there for about any kind of preference including those amongst us who prefer to go alone or with a few select friends. Sure the ARC started our different, but with it's current profile it appears to attract the most people and those seem very happy with it. Can't see anything wrong with this, even if it's nothing for me.

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