Countdown to the start of ARC 2018

World ARC 2018-19 © World Cruising

With only two days to go until the start of ARC 2018, there is a hive of activity on the pontoons down at the marina today. The return of the sunshine after yesterday's heavy showers has also lifted spirits and enabled crews to get on with last minute preparations on deck.

Like many of the other 1000 sailors here, Mark Thurlow on board Rum Truffle has had a really good time in Las Palmas and has found the organisation of the ARC team and support of fellow skippers really valuable. He particularly thought the Route & Weather Guide talk by Chris Tibbs was very useful and 'I have found it really great to swap tips and have the opportunity to talk with fellow skippers.'

This is also a busy day for the World Cruising Club Corporate Members who are here on hand to assist with any last minute questions. YB trackers have been fitted and are now live on the World Cruising website for all friends and family to track individual yachts as they make their way across the Atlantic and on to Saint Lucia.

Vans and trucks have been zipping up and down the marina road laden with food and drinks which they deliver directly to the boats on the pontoons. Wolf Knipfer on yacht Baltica has taken delivery of the groceries today and is in the very final preparations before the ARC start on Sunday. With all the crew now here, they are going to enjoy a crew supper together tonight after attending the ARC Farewell Cocktail party being held at Club Nautico.

As always the ARC yellow shirt team are also on hand to help with final checks, tests and facilitate any changes. Crew member Katrin Ellenberger on Hector said, "We are sorting out the last few details but these are really only minor things. We are all feeling good and we are ready to go!" She found the Air-Sea Helicopter demonstration really interesting yesterday and thanked the ARC yellow shirt team for being "super friendly, welcoming and for being so helpful." "It's been great to meet with so many people from all around the world and what a great atmosphere there is around the marina." she added

This is the fourth ARC event for Frank Lambrechts on Moving 2. When asked if there was anything different this year, he advised "It really helps to arrive early," which has meant they have been able enjoy all of the ARC events over the last two-weeks and are more relaxed than in previous years. All the crew have benefitted from the seminars but their highlight of the ARC programme was the Rolnautic Welcome Fiesta at the Sotavento Club. He said "it was a great band and there was plenty of booze."

Tonight, it's a chance to crews to come together for one big final party, the Farewell Cocktail, held at the prestigious Real Club Nautico. As anticipation for start day builds, the clock is counting down and tomorrow's all important Skippers' Briefing will give an update on the latest weather and procedures for start day.

Tick...tock...tick...tock...