ARC 2023: 176 boats depart Gran Canaria for Saint Lucia

Source: WIC News
Author: Monica Walker

Saint Lucia: A total of 176 boats in 4 divisions departed the Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain, on Sunday, November 19, for Saint Lucia, marking the beginning of the 2700 nautical mile journey in the ARC 2023.

This is the 38th edition of Atlantic Rally for Cruisers, which started amid light southerly breeze and bright sunshine. Saint Lucia is once again playing host to the finals and is actively working on completing preparations to welcome the one hundred and sixty-member race participants.

Every November since 1986, the ARC has set sail from Las Palmas, bound westward across the Atlantic to the Caribbean. 2023 brings together around 160 boats from 40 nations, who will spend 18-21 days at sea on the classic trade wind route.

To commemorate their departure, Saint Lucia hosted a flotilla from Castries Harbor to the IGY Rodney Bay Marina, where the media got the opportunity to learn of the plans to engage the participants on arrival, including a Taste of Saint Lucia ARC Edition, hosted by Export Saint Lucia.

Leading the ARC 2023 fleets were Pierre de Saint-Vincent's Piment Rouge (FRA) and Outremer 51 in the Multihull Division, followed by Marjolijn van Oordt's Swan 52-3 Gaia (NLD) in the Racing Division. The 91-strong Cruising Division was led by Svante Jacobsson on Farr 65r Celeste of Solent (GBR).

As the boats left, the organisers said, "ARC 2023 - start day. We laughed, cried and waved goodbye. Farewell, friends, fair winds and see you in Saint Lucia."

Although there was a little light-air hustling between the more competitive boats, all three starts were relaxed and happy, in keeping with the ARC spirit.

This year there are approximately 34 nationalities represented, with the youngest being two years old. This is the 34th year of the ARC and the 32nd finish in Saint Lucia. The first vessel can be expected in as early as 8-10 days.

The Saint Lucia Tourism Authority looks forward to welcoming the participants and said, "We wish the fleet great force winds and a safe journey to the finish line."

As the island prepares to welcome the Atlantic Rally for Cruisers (ARC) participants, Saint Lucians are being asked to extend warmth and hospitality.

ARC took off at Las Palmas on Sunday, with the first set of boats estimated to arrive by December 5. The participants will be treated to a host of community and cultural events that will showcase local businesses, talent and culture.