Systems GO for the ARC 2013

Adina, Las Palmas

So here we are, less than 24 hours to go before we head off to cross the Atlantic Ocean as part of the Atlantic Rally for Cruisers (ARC).

It’s been a busy two weeks. The first week was mainly meeting fellow boat owners, attending lectures, and enjoying all the functions the ARC laid on. And I have to heap praise on the World Cruising Company who run the ARC. There organisation has been BRILLIANT. They work hard, always have the information you need, always professional, always helping, giving advice and very friendly – best thing we ever did. Many sailors argue you can do it without a rally. But this rally of 280 yachts means all the boat suppliers fly out offering checks and servicing for free, there is a tremendous amount of social interaction, the seminars are top class, and there is a real buzz. Somebody described it as a community and that is exactly what it is.

Our Atlantic crew – Susie, Neil, Lindsay, Gareth, Tom

Week 2 and the crews poured in. Our crew of Gareth, Neil and Lindsay arrived. A good crew that you can get on with is so important. And I think we’ve got the right mix. They’ve all impressed us by jumping straight in, helping, doing jobs with real zeal. With so much going on as a skipper, it’s so nice to think you can rely on each and everyone of them, knowing they will take on the work that needs to be done and not shying away from it, knowing they will care for your boat, knowing they want to get there safely and enjoy it. We are genuinely looking forward to sharing this adventure with them.

Spanish TV

In between we did some media which was all good fun. Our neighbours Tim and Claire on their yacht Ghost had threatened to put some pretend false tarred teeth in and sit in the background on their boat and smile when the tv cameras visited. Come the day, they did as they promised! It took enormous resolve and focus not to laugh out loud. We’ve promised to catch up in the Caribbean, which they know well, and enjoy a good rum.

Susie’s parents for dinner

Adina even has a support team! Susie’s parents Richard and Ros are seeing us off, while Gareth’s girlfriend Rachel visited too. In St.Lucia we have Neil’s wife Hallie and baby Amelia joining us and Lindsay’s parents are making their way out too. We love it.

Neil wrapping up carrots in tin foil

So we’ve prepared the boat as best as we can: foam is on the spreaders, fruit and vegetables are hanging in nets, meat is frozen. Jerry Henwood the Rigger has been to the boat, tweaked it, given us the all clear. We like Jerry – so friendly! The instruments have all had software updates. We’ve passed the safety inspection. Indeed Adina is probably in the best nick she’s ever been.

Finally I could not write without some thanks. We know we’ve thanked before but so many have helped us, taken an interest, offered support to get us to this point. I’d love to name people but we’d get in trouble for missing someone out. A BIG Thank You!

Aft cabin with lee cloths/sleeping bags/kit all set to go

It’s unbelievable to think it’s finally here. It’s taken so much preparation and tomorrow we slip lines and head off across the ocean. Every time I think about it my heart races, and like many of our fellow sailors, I’d go now, I’ve waited too long. But tomorrow with heart racing I want to enjoy it, don our team shirts, wave at the supporters, relish this special moment with Susie, Lindsay, Gareth and Neil.

Now it’s time to go sailing, it’s time to live the adventure, it’s time to cross an ocean. Fingers crossed.