It was announced at the Skippers' Briefing in the marina at Las Palmas that the start of the ARC will be delayed for the cruising divisions.

For the first time since 1989, the start of the ARC has been delayed due to predicted high winds.  A low pressure system is predicted to bring winds of 25 knots or more on Sunday night,  making uncomfortable conditions in the wind acceleration zone south of Gran Canaria.  Cruising and Multihull division skippers have been offered two start dates; one as planned on Sunday 25, and one on Tuesday 27 November.

Read World Marine Guides article on the ARC - Atlantic Rally for Cruisers.

The low pressure system is predicted to bring southerly winds of 25 knots or more, with 35 knots plus in the wind acceleration zone to the south of Gran Canaria. Boats are expected to be in this area for their first night at sea on Sunday night, and while not unmanageable, the conditions are likely to be uncomfortable for the majority of the family cruising boats.

All cruising skippers were offered the choice of starts; to take the original start on Sunday 25, or a rescheduled start on Tuesday 27 November.  The majority of skippers elected to wait until Tuesday 27, remaining in habour in Las Palmas while the winds blow through.

Stronger winds do provide ideal conditions for the racing fleet, and these boats will start on Sunday, as planned.

http://www.worldmarineguide.com/

The 25th annual Atlantic Ralley for Cruisers (ARC) sets off for the Caribbean from the Canaries on the 21st November 2010 from Las Palmas marina, Gran Canaria. The lead up to the start will have the usual parties and ceromonies, but also there will be a more serious side to the events with safety seminars and advice on the crossing for the crews.

Yachts will be inspected to make sure that they comply with the events minimum safety requirements and many dealers and service companies will be on hand to supply equipment and help crews with last minute problems.

The yachts will head for the Caribbean island of St. Lucia and the marina at Rodney Bay, completing the 2700NM voyage from the Canary Islands in around 14 to 21 days. The start as always will be a spectacular sight. More information on the ARC can be found on World Marine Guide in our article on the ARC.

Http://www.worldmarineguide.com

The Atlantic Rally for Cruisers (ARC) has already signed up its 150th entrant even though it doesn't start until November. The ARC 2010 currently has an upper limit of 215 yachts, which is likely to be reached in April, due to the restrictions of available berths in Las Palmas Marina, Grand Canaria. This years ARC will be the 25th proving it to be a popular way to cross the Atlantic from the Canary Islands.
 
Commenting on the popularity of the ARC, director of World Cruising Club, Andrew Bishop, said: "The ARC is special and for many cruising sailors it is the "must-do" event on their cruising calendar, whilst for others it provides the inspiration they need to help them achieve their ambitions to set off bluewater cruising."

Read more on the ARC 2010 at World Marine Guide

The 2009 ARC is over and plans for the 2010 Arc are already underway. Las Palmas Marina in Gran Canaria are confident that they can fullfill a promise to provide a record 250 berths for this years event. This will mean that the ARC organisers may be able to acheive their goal of setting a new record for the largest transocean event.

As part of the Canarian marinas 1.8 million €uro investment an extra 180 space dry storage area will be created, swipe card entry to the pontoons, Wi-Fi throughout the marina and improvements to the marina security system.

The ARC 2010

Just as this years ARC entrants are arriving in Saint Lucia the entry list for the 2010 ARC has been opened. The annual Atlantic Rally for Cruisers will once again depart from Las Palmas, Gran Canaria during the last weekend of November and cross the Atlantic for the Caribbean.

So if you are thinking of heading for the Caribbean in a years time start planning and click here for the entry form.