Spectacular Start for the 22nd Atlantic Rally for Cruisers

Created by doina. Last modified on 2007-11-27 11:18:40
Topic: Rallies
Countries: Canary Islands, St Lucia

The 22nd Atlantic Rally for Cruisers (ARC) started in spectacular style today as 235 yachts from 28 different nations sailed across the start line off Las Palmas de Canaria headed for their final destination, 2,700 nautical miles away in Rodney Bay, St Lucia.

With a large swell running after two days of strong northerlies, the wind abated and the sun came out just in time for a perfect start. The fresh NNW 20 knot breeze meant fewer spinnakers that usual were to be seen on the start line. Winds are expected to remain from the north with tradewind conditions likely to remain, offering the prospect of a fast passage on the rhumb line route to St.Lucia.

Starting 20 minutes ahead of the main fleet, the 22 yachts competing in the RORC IRC Racing Divisions were all tight on the line and enjoying the excellent breeze. Sticking to the Island end of the start line, the two Beneteau 40.7's Combat and Coyote were neck and neck at the start - Combat just claiming the honour of first across. The well trained crew of Russian Swan 45 - Murka 2, were first up with their spinnaker, delighting spectators at the committee end, with a slick gybe hoist right on the line.

However, it is the mass of cruising yachts that creates the spectacle, and a few minutes before the scheduled 1300 start of the ARC 2007 Cruising Divisions, there was a forest of masts and sails surrounding the committee vessel - the Spanish Navy ship Atalaya. Oyster 72 Kealoha 8 looked impressive as they crossed the line first, narrowly edging out Swan 62 Berenice.

News of the fleet can be found on the official ARC website where daily yacht position reports will be displayed and visitors can watch individual route maps for each yacht. Crews will also contribute daily logs and images direct to the site. www.worldcruising.com/arc