Cardo
Well-Known Member
I'd get jealous if other men could see my lady naked!
Hmm, I guess I'd need to get a couple of female crew members...
Oh Lord, that would do my head in, though!
The Arc - what it all about ?!
- Thread starter simonbuk
- Start date
goboatingnow
Well-Known Member
Having done an ARC, I think it's prudent to dispel some myths,
While there may be some first timers, most cruisers are experienced sailors often with significant amounts of sea time. As the ARC points out the real test is you have to get to the canaries, that can be harder then the crossing.
It does not in reality provide any sort of handholding exercise whilst at sea. It provides a couple of great parties, some useful talks in las palmas and all you get going across is a semi customised weather report, which you could get from any routing service.
You will be on your own, we didn't see a single other yacht until we hit st.lucia so ignore the " cruise in company " nonsense. You provision equip and sail the boat like you are on your own, because in effect you are.
The weather can range from easy to downright challenging, just like any sailing trip. It does have the advantage of generally bring warn l but it can be very wet at times. Squalls at night add to the amusement.
It's great fun, especially if you make some or all of the parties and the comraderie in las palmas for the preceding two to three weeks is great. It's a great experience.
Many boats will need crew, but most have it sorted well before they reach las palmas. Few pick up "dock rats" at the last minute, though it does happen.
If you do want to do it, you need to start advertising your availability early next year. ( crew websites etc) you obviously need to be a reasonable sailor.
Costs vary, some skippers will have full cost sharing, some partial, warning, ensure you fully understand what the deal is before you sign on.
There is a cruising group and a racing group, the skipper decided which fleet the boats in so check which one suits you.
I never understood the naysayers, the competence of the ARC crews is easy as good or better then those that go it alone.
While there may be some first timers, most cruisers are experienced sailors often with significant amounts of sea time. As the ARC points out the real test is you have to get to the canaries, that can be harder then the crossing.
It does not in reality provide any sort of handholding exercise whilst at sea. It provides a couple of great parties, some useful talks in las palmas and all you get going across is a semi customised weather report, which you could get from any routing service.
You will be on your own, we didn't see a single other yacht until we hit st.lucia so ignore the " cruise in company " nonsense. You provision equip and sail the boat like you are on your own, because in effect you are.
The weather can range from easy to downright challenging, just like any sailing trip. It does have the advantage of generally bring warn l but it can be very wet at times. Squalls at night add to the amusement.
It's great fun, especially if you make some or all of the parties and the comraderie in las palmas for the preceding two to three weeks is great. It's a great experience.
Many boats will need crew, but most have it sorted well before they reach las palmas. Few pick up "dock rats" at the last minute, though it does happen.
If you do want to do it, you need to start advertising your availability early next year. ( crew websites etc) you obviously need to be a reasonable sailor.
Costs vary, some skippers will have full cost sharing, some partial, warning, ensure you fully understand what the deal is before you sign on.
There is a cruising group and a racing group, the skipper decided which fleet the boats in so check which one suits you.
I never understood the naysayers, the competence of the ARC crews is easy as good or better then those that go it alone.
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snowleopard
Well-Known Member
I find that the ones who sneer at the ARC do so from prejudice rather than knowledge. I would rather join an ARC boat than one travelling independently if only because the scrutineering ensures that the boat will be equipped with sensible safety gear.
temptress
Well-Known Member
NOT SO. This is OUTSIDE the Jurisdiction of the UK authorities. It's up to you to decide.
Neil_Y
Well-Known Member
I think this is a very important area to get a qualified answer on so I've asked the MCA for their comments.
Having looked into this for my own atlantic circuit (I coded my yacht at the time) The vessel if british registered/flagged is under MCA jurisdiction where ever it is, and it comes down to whether the vessel can be considered a pleasure vessel or a commercial vessel as defined here http://www.dft.gov.uk/mca/mgn_280-2.pdf. The defintion is on page 24/25 and to me it seems quite clear, if there is any profit or charge greater than the direct expenses incurred during the voyage then it becomes commercial.
That's the good thing about the ARC for boat hitchers as snowleopard said they do have a minimum requirement on safety equipment and I believe they are checked, and there are many people on the commercial boats that enter who have lots of experience.
Having looked into this for my own atlantic circuit (I coded my yacht at the time) The vessel if british registered/flagged is under MCA jurisdiction where ever it is, and it comes down to whether the vessel can be considered a pleasure vessel or a commercial vessel as defined here http://www.dft.gov.uk/mca/mgn_280-2.pdf. The defintion is on page 24/25 and to me it seems quite clear, if there is any profit or charge greater than the direct expenses incurred during the voyage then it becomes commercial.
That's the good thing about the ARC for boat hitchers as snowleopard said they do have a minimum requirement on safety equipment and I believe they are checked, and there are many people on the commercial boats that enter who have lots of experience.
mixmaster
Well-Known Member
Agree with Neil. I don't think you're correct there Temptress. This is from the MCA's Code of Practice Info Pack:
The Agency’s Business Plan commits the organisation to 500 inspections per year. The Agency’s inspection strategy is progressively being extended abroad to areas where UK boats are known to operate. The presence of the Agency’s inspectors helps to educate boat owners and ensure that less scrupulous operators are identified and dealt with in an appropriate manner.
The Agency’s Business Plan commits the organisation to 500 inspections per year. The Agency’s inspection strategy is progressively being extended abroad to areas where UK boats are known to operate. The presence of the Agency’s inspectors helps to educate boat owners and ensure that less scrupulous operators are identified and dealt with in an appropriate manner.
capnsensible
Well-Known Member
If you are British flagged, the boogie man will get you.
Check the prosecutions on the MCA site.
yesod
Well-Known Member
i imagine this is why some insurers view the arc as being lower risk than going it alone...
mixmaster
Well-Known Member
I found that long range cruising you get to be "out there on your own" plenty. The ARC was a great way to hang out with lots of like minded people and to party at both ends. Great fun. Enjoyed the friendly competition as well. As far as the entry fee is concrened, I've spend sillier money going out when it didn't involve sailing.