The ARC

[Poignard]

because the ARC organisers want to be home for Xmas

Yes - good point.

 

[Koeketiene]

but it seems a bit of a money spinner for the organisers.

Surely not

Of course it's all about the money
That's why YM and YW devote ample pages to it

 

[capnsensible]

Guapa, do you think that's a bit harsh? Clearly someone wants to make a shilling or two for organising it all but... how many years now?? For so many people, maybe thousands, it's given the opportunity for an individual to do their 'thing' of a lifetime.
Of course the magazines sell more copies but isn't that because so many people are interested and want to read about it??
Personally, I wouldn't be in a club that would have me as a member (cheers Guacho) and have made it under me own steam, so to speak, a few times but I do admire the spirit of the ARC. Even though you get no hot water in the shower5s in Rodney Bay for a few weeks!

 

[Koeketiene]

Guapa, do you think that's a bit harsh? Clearly someone wants to make a shilling or two for organising it all but... how many years now?? For so many people, maybe thousands, it's given the opportunity for an individual to do their 'thing' of a lifetime.
Of course the magazines sell more copies but isn't that because so many people are interested and want to read about it??

Don't get me wrong - I have nothing against 'the idea' of the ARC. Indeed, what you describe is very much what Jimmy Cornell had in mind when he organised the first ARC many moons ago.
Sadly, when Jimmy left after the 10th edition (IIRC), so went the cruising spirit. And of late we have seen the introduction of the 'racing class', the big sponsored boats, the minimum size, etc... As with anything BWS runs - commerce and big bucks only. What's left for the 'little guy'? (Apart from rubbish weather info?)
A friend of mine crossed a year or two ago in a modest 34' craft. By the time they had crossed, the BWS operation in St Lucia had all but wound up.
He's glad he crossed, and the ARC provided a convenient focal point, but as for the rest...

The ARC - by all means. But as it was intended, not as it has become

Why is the IPC coverage of the OSTAR, AZAB, etc... only a fraction of the coverage given to the ARC? You scratch my back, I'll scratch yours.

 

[Malcolm3]

Yes fair winds to them - I hear there is a bit more than last year so far. Ive done it twice and think the ARC is a great social event and that the cost isnt huge given all the freebies you get from partys to lectures and the support. Even if not constantly in sight ( and we saw boats last time most nights) you can certainly keep in touch by SSB radio. Where there have been problems other boats have helped out and I thought all in all it was well worth it.
Malc

 

[snowleopard]

Not negating the achievment of those crew who participate in the ARC, but it seems a bit of a money spinner for the organisers. It's hardly a cruise in company as most yachts won't cast sight of another until they arrive. I've heard frightening reports from experienced crews who have participated in it about novice crews taking it on (ie almost total newbies on recently purchased yachts). Myth or not?

Yes, myth. Notwithstanding my earlier tongue-in-cheek comment, I met no one who couldn't have done it alone. There are advantages and disadvantages but it certainly isn't a novice support system.

Incidentally, unlike most other rallies they don't require the boats to do a qualifying passage. Their rationale is that getting to Gran Canaria is sufficient test.

It isn't a cruise in company but there is plenty of socialising before and after and it is an excellent way to get to know other boats you will meet around the Caribbean. The on-shore support net is also useful. They found me an English-speaking dentist when I lost a tooth 2 days before departure.

 

[phantomlady]

In Las Palmas and just watched the ARC leave yesterday. It was quite a sight!

 

[Bajansailor]

Here is another little ARC Story......

Pal of mine sailed in the 2nd or 3rd ARC - he had a Westerly Corsair or Oceanlord or summat like that - lots of accomodation for the length. The Family instructed him that they wanted the boat out in the Caribbean next winter, so could he arrange that please?

Matey thinks this is an excellent plan - gets the boat to the Canaries ok, and press gangs three friends (all keen party animals) who talk him (it wasnt difficult!) into joining the ARC.

So they set off after suitably provisioning the vessel, and soon got into a routine - they had twin headsails boomed out, and rocked & rolled their way approximately on a course of WSW or thereabouts (nobody was too concerned, just so long as Hector (the wind vane) kept them going in approx the right direction).
To pass the time they did a lot of single malt consulting (if I may borrow a Berrimilla term) - they had to ration themselves to two bottles a day for the four of them.....

After about a week out, somebody thought it might be a good idea to switch the satnav on to see where they were (no GPS's in those days - or if they were, they were mega bucks). Mr. Navstar eventually gave them a position after a lot of deliberating, and he put them approximately where they thought they might be.
I think they had to give Hector a wee tweak to alter course slightly, but that was about it.

This procedure was repeated a week later, after consigning another 14 bottles (empty) to Davy Jones locker. Davy received the odd libation as well to keep him happy.

Four days later, after about 18 days at sea they decided it might now be prudent to leave the sat nav on, otherwise they might over shoot Barbados - and have to beat back and (even worse) possibly miss a party.
So they did, after Mr. Navstar told them that Barbados was dead ahead, and they arrived that evening.
And they stocked up on Mount Gay when they got here, as they were on the last bottle of single malt when clearing the harbour breakwater.

A pretty mundane passage really, from reports received..... nothing broke, no hurricanes encountered, no sails blown out, no arguments, food supplies lasted, they didnt even run out of books to read.

And then all the extended Family - in-laws, out-laws and the rest - arrived in squads and kept him busy for the rest of the winter taking them on guided tours of the Grenadines.

 

[billreilly]

The weather for this year's ARC has been mild so far, with very normal conditions and trade winds for this time of year.

You can check it out at:

http://www.passageweather.com/maps/arc/mappage.htm

Bill