New alternative to the ARC

[binch]

Do it alone.

The best way to cross is independently. Stop first at Barbados and cruise south first, then move north in the spring.
Oh, and do visit Montserrat. Open anchorage but this is the west indies in its comparatively unspoilt form.
Try the Green Monkey on the beach.
Eat mountain chicken and goat water. And drink some very peculiar rum.

 

[KellysEye]

>Some of you guys need to get a life....

Why is it necessary for some people to rude, or perhaps you are a Webcraft disciple.

 

[Koeketiene]

The best way to cross is independently.

+1

Why would I pay anyone serious dosh to cross the pond myself, in my own boat?

 

[LadyInBed]

For me, this could be an issue as we will be 2 up on a 35 ft boat, but paying the same as maybe a boat that is 4up and in the same size bracket.
The total cost per person is therefore higher and does seem a little unfair.

Now I've seen this practice somewhere else - totally unfair.
Oh yes, marina charges

Why would I pay anyone serious dosh to cross the pond myself, in my own boat?

My sentiments exactly.

 

[webcraft]

+1

Why would I pay anyone serious dosh to cross the pond myself, in my own boat?

Because you are sociable and enjoy the pre and post crossing company? Because you enjoy sharing the experience beyond the confines of your own boat?

There are lots of reasons that people choose to join the ARCand other rallies. If you can't afford it or don't want to then fair enough, but why knock those that can and who enjoy it? It would be a dull world if were all the same.

- W

 

[Koeketiene]

Because you are sociable and enjoy the pre and post crossing company? Because you enjoy sharing the experience beyond the confines of your own boat?

There are lots of reasons that people choose to join the ARCand other rallies. If you can't afford it or don't want to then fair enough, but why knock those that can and who enjoy it? It would be a dull world if were all the same.

Must have missed the part where I was 'knocking it'.
Just seems sad that people these days feel that they have to be part of a rally to meet others and be sociable.

 

[Three kings]

It's a bit sad how these threads can degenerate into the predictable pro and anti rally debate, with a bit of mud thrown in from those who take exception to the wording.

Reminds me of the recent conversation I had in Dun Laoghaire with an 'ol salt' who was critical of my announcement that the family and I had entered ARC 2013.

As he cast his critical eye over my boat and swore I would have nothing but trouble with the Hydrovane (extra rudder thingy in his parlance), Aerogen 6 (wind thingy) and Aquair 1000 (he identified it as a searchlight!) his more realistic companion reminded him that he was still dining out on his 'voyage' to Kilmore Quay in 1987.

Turns out his voyaging since then has been restricted to a quick dash to Howth for a few beers and back again before dark.

I find if you smile sweetly and nod your head sagely they just get bored and go away.

Best of luck Horatio. Takes courage to launch a new enterprise these days................and diplomacy to deal with the 'experts'.

 

[webcraft]

Must have missed the part where I was 'knocking it'.
Just seems sad that people these days feel that they have to be part of a rally to meet others and be sociable.

I was inclined to feel the same way, l but I did the ARC last year (as crew) , met a lot of good people and had a lot of fun. I don't think that makes me 'sad', do you?

This cojuld turn into a good thing for smaller boats . . . anything under 40ft is just too wee and slow for the ARC these days, the parties are all over by the time you arrive.

- W

 

[LadyInBed]

I did the ARC last year (as crew) , met a lot of good people and had a lot of fun. I don't think that makes me 'sad', do you?

Certainly not, but I've found it isn't necessary to pay money to meet people and be sociable

 

[snowleopard]

The best way to cross is independently.

+1

Why would I pay anyone serious dosh to cross the pond myself, in my own boat?

Different ways suit different people. No one way is 'best'. I trot this essay out quite often (compiled after our ARC out - independent back Atlantic circuit)

Pros and Cons of rallying
Many sailors speak disparagingly of rally participants, assuming they are all beginners who wouldn’t leave the Solent without a nanny organisation to look after them and imply that real sailors travel independently. We have done both and would consider another rally in future. We met no-one on the rallies who couldn’t have gone across the ocean on their own, the supposed wet-behind-the-ears beginner is a complete myth.
Pro

• The biggest draw for many people is the social side, getting to meet other crews, not to mention the numerous parties. For us the party circuit started in Lagos when we invited everyone who was flying an ARC flag aboard for drinks; we regularly met up with that group over the next 6 months in many anchorages.
• The support provided by the rally organisers was useful, for example they found me an English-speaking dentist when I lost a tooth three days before departure from Las Palmas.
• The daily radio net and position reporting meant that our family knew where we were (at least some of the time) and when things went wrong there was help at hand. Our friends on Spirit of Clyde rescued a French singlehander whose boat sank and two other boats stood by to help. Most rescues involve ARC participants helping non-ARC boats
• Reserved berths at either end were useful, especially in Las Palmas and it was good to have someone to take our lines as we came into St Lucia with engine problems.
• The ARC rallies are run as races and the friendly competition added to the interest of the passage. For the keen racers there was also an all-out racing division.
• Because of the number of people taking part, some of the big names in ocean cruising came to give seminars, for example Jimmy Cornell on routes beyond the Caribbean and David Jones on Caribbean meteorology.

Con

• Rallies always have pre-set start times and there is pressure to stick to those because of the shore team’s hotel and flight bookings. If the weather turns bad, as it did when we left Bermuda for the Azores, you have to be strong-minded to stay in harbour when others are pressing on.
• In a very structured rally like the ARC there is no opportunity for unplanned stops so we missed out on the Cape Verdes and Barbados. For that reason alone we will probably avoid the ARC next time round.
• Some crews get a bit over-enthusiastic about completing the crossing and hit the party scene hard. That gets a bit wearing if you’re moored right in front of the marina bar and the music is still going strong at 5a.m.
• The downside of the racing element is the temptation to hang on to canvas a bit longer and risk damage to gear.
• On a multi-leg rally like ARC Europe, the fast boats spend a lot of time in port waiting for the others to catch up and the slow boats have a shorter time to rest and repair before moving on.
• The ARC isn't cheap. It is better value for money than others because the cost of staff flights is spread over 200+ boats but it still takes a big lump out of a cruising budget. The current cost for a 40 footer with 4 crew is over £900.

 

[jonic]

Different ways suit different people. No one way is 'best'. I trot this essay out quite often (compiled after our ARC out - independent back Atlantic circuit)

Pros and Cons of rallying
Many sailors speak disparagingly of rally participants, assuming they are all beginners who wouldn’t leave the Solent without a nanny organisation to look after them and imply that real sailors travel independently. We have done both and would consider another rally in future. We met no-one on the rallies who couldn’t have gone across the ocean on their own, the supposed wet-behind-the-ears beginner is a complete myth.
Pro

• The biggest draw for many people is the social side, getting to meet other crews, not to mention the numerous parties. For us the party circuit started in Lagos when we invited everyone who was flying an ARC flag aboard for drinks; we regularly met up with that group over the next 6 months in many anchorages.
• The support provided by the rally organisers was useful, for example they found me an English-speaking dentist when I lost a tooth three days before departure from Las Palmas.
• The daily radio net and position reporting meant that our family knew where we were (at least some of the time) and when things went wrong there was help at hand. Our friends on Spirit of Clyde rescued a French singlehander whose boat sank and two other boats stood by to help. Most rescues involve ARC participants helping non-ARC boats
• Reserved berths at either end were useful, especially in Las Palmas and it was good to have someone to take our lines as we came into St Lucia with engine problems.
• The ARC rallies are run as races and the friendly competition added to the interest of the passage. For the keen racers there was also an all-out racing division.
• Because of the number of people taking part, some of the big names in ocean cruising came to give seminars, for example Jimmy Cornell on routes beyond the Caribbean and David Jones on Caribbean meteorology.

Con

• Rallies always have pre-set start times and there is pressure to stick to those because of the shore team’s hotel and flight bookings. If the weather turns bad, as it did when we left Bermuda for the Azores, you have to be strong-minded to stay in harbour when others are pressing on.
• In a very structured rally like the ARC there is no opportunity for unplanned stops so we missed out on the Cape Verdes and Barbados. For that reason alone we will probably avoid the ARC next time round.
• Some crews get a bit over-enthusiastic about completing the crossing and hit the party scene hard. That gets a bit wearing if you’re moored right in front of the marina bar and the music is still going strong at 5a.m.
• The downside of the racing element is the temptation to hang on to canvas a bit longer and risk damage to gear.
• On a multi-leg rally like ARC Europe, the fast boats spend a lot of time in port waiting for the others to catch up and the slow boats have a shorter time to rest and repair before moving on.
• The ARC isn't cheap. It is better value for money than others because the cost of staff flights is spread over 200+ boats but it still takes a big lump out of a cruising budget. The current cost for a 40 footer with 4 crew is over £900.

+1

 

[michael_w]

Certainly not, but I've found it isn't necessary to pay money to meet people and be sociable

That's because you never stand your round

 

[LadyInBed]

That's because you never stand your round

That's the problem with short arms and deep pockets
And people queue to buy me a drink just to listen to my quick wit and repartee