I would LOVE to be doing the ARC

Becky

Becky

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right now.

We would be coming in to Rodney Bay quite soon, to all the parties, to the Caribbean with lovely islands, beautiful beaches, restaurants and so on.

We went out for 6 weeks last year, and I loved it.

Sadly HWMBO (sic) didn't like the heat or the mozzies. So he doesn't want to go again.

I would like to book up for the 2007 rally /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif

Anyone fancy coming with me?
 
No! better to leave in January, enjoy the festive season in the Canaries, you also get a faster trip across..and then more celebrations when you arrive!

I'd like to be in Gran Canaria again right now, New year in Santa Cruz then a week or two in Gomera.

But back to work now....
 
I would agree with Tigawave that January is probably a better time to cross - although the trades do seem to have set in reasonably well here now.

Becky, I feel sorry for your other half if he found it too hot out here at this time of year - I am thinking it is quite pleasantly cool now relatively, compared to the temps (around 31 - 32C) we had every day in August - October.

The coolest weather here is during January and February - that is when you might even want to wear a sweatshirt if you are sitting out in the cockpit at night, or on passage.
 
Re: Christmas in the Canaries

Various delays culminating with SWMBO waiting for two broken ribs to heal (don't ask!) means it's looking like Christmas in La Gomera for us - which doesn't seem so bad.

The ARC fleet this year had 20-25+ knots and big seas most of the way across - good for the big boats, but not so good for tiddlers like us with a crew of two, so I'm not sorry we are crossing later. A few days of 20+ knots are great if the sea isn't too bad, but a few days gentler stuff to sleep and read would be nice as well.

Any recommendations for festivities in La Gomera?

- Nick
 
Re: Christmas in the Canaries

Nick, will you be making Barbados your first port of call on this side of the pond?

I hope so! Despite various stories circulating to the contrary, we are a nice little island, with lots to see and do - some pals of mine crossed earlier this year, said they would stay for a week or 2, stayed 2 months and loved it here..... they reluctantly hauled in their anchor cable and set sail for Triniland, as they had an appointment with a haul-out yard there.

To anybody who is thinking of stopping at Barbados - please do not go into the commercial harbour in Bridgetown, despite what your (out of date) pilot might tell you. There is a small private marina called Port St Charles (www.portstcharles.com) on the west coast at the northern end of the island, and they have a Customs & Immigration office there where you can clear in.

After clearing (the fee is US$ 25 per boat during normal working hours - overtime is extra) you can anchor off the marina, or sail down to Carlisle Bay and anchor there (about 11 miles to the south). I think you can stop and anchor in other bays along the coast if desired, but apparently permission has to be obtained from the Bridgetown Signal Station on VHF Channel 12, and opinions re this seem to change every year....
 
Re: Barbados

Yes, we are planning Barbados as our first POC - we have the courtesy flag, so we have to use it!

Will you be there towards the end of Jan? If so maybe see you.

- Nick
 
Re: Barbados

I shall be here...... if you clear in at Port St Charles, you will see our boat (Challenger 35) on her mooring off the north side of the marina breakwater, just south of a group of fishing boats. She is moored in 8m of water on sand with good holding (altho there are various isolated coral clumps scattered around - make sure you drop anchor on a sandy area, if you anchor off here after clearing customs).

If approaching at night, there is supposed to be a lighthouse at Harrison Point, but it packed up years ago..... however this is now the location of the temporary prison, hence it is spectacularly flood-lit, and a good landmark! A little ways further south is the Arawak cement plant, which is also well lit, and has a long loading jetty (which is lit).
Be careful of the shoals off Maycocks Bay - keep a good offing, especially if approaching at night.
If approaching by day, the water is usually very clear, and you can see bottom easily in 10m - the reefy shallow areas are usually easily spotted.
 
Re: Christmas in the Canaries

We used Gomera to recover after Christmas and New year, and enjoyed lots of great walking routes. You can get a bus to and from lots of marked routes, some you need a good head for heights.

We also met with sevaral cruisers and ended up setting off with two other boats, but were out of vhf within 3 days.

We also arrived at Port St Charles, and there was fuel there as well. Customs came to the boat.

Have a good trip
 
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I would like to book up for the 2007 rally /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif

Anyone fancy coming with me?

[/ QUOTE ]

"Did" ARC in 2002, in a boat owned by Challenge Business of blessed memory.
Fantastic experience.
Weather in St Lucia was pleasantly warm, not hot. Never saw a mozzie.
Go for it!
Would love to come with you. I must ask SWMBO.
 
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