ARC Rally - Atlantic in the trade wind

Weather routing is the decisive advantage for your trip in the Atlantic with our team. We know how it works. We are available 24 hours a day. Weather routing takes a lot of time and is essential for your safety. Read now what it's all about!

weather kitchen of the North Atlantic

One determining factor is the Azores High. In summer it is further north in the middle of the Atlantic and in winter it is further south, which means that the trade winds are also further south. So summer would be the better time of year to cross the Atlantic from east to west. But from mid-July to October it is hurricane season and we don't want to encounter these beasts. So we sail across the pond in the good time between November and June.

The Azores High is not always where it belongs. It is squashed, deformed, degenerated, has disappeared into one corner of the Atlantic or another, or it has completely disappeared. Lows form, often in Labrador, turn in, puff up and find their way westward, sometimes staying there, wobbling back and forth, gathering new strength, forming partial lows and moving on. But now the long-term forecasts for the wide open sea are amazingly good and so are we!

We advise our crews who sail in the Atlantic! Taking the daily distances into account, we plan the best route for a week in advance and determine the corresponding waypoints. Often detours are quicker! Depending on the weather conditions, our yachts then report their position and station daily via Iridium satellite phone. Then we get going straight away, maps are studied, waypoints are confirmed or moved and the relevant updates are sent out one hour after contact is made. It takes a lot of effort, but if it works out and the route is right, then that is successful weather navigation. And it increases safety dramatically!

Plan

ARC Rally: Las Palmas / Gran Canaria - Atlantic - Rodney Bay Marina / St. Lucia / Caribbean - Le Marin / Martinique * Including ARC fees + SAILING PLUS! max. 6 crew + skipper

cruise information
Arrival: Wednesday 20 November 2024
Departure: Wednesday 18 December 2024
Cruise starts on the day of arrival from 4:00 p.m. in Las Palmas / Gran Canaria
Departure on the day of departure 10:00 am - after breakfast - from Martinique

Once the crew has arrived, the food is bought and stowed away, safety instructions and emergency rolls are assigned. You can take part in the ARC Land program and the associated events. The regatta starts on Sunday.

Life at Sea

I have been at sea for 5 days now and it is not boring at all. I sit on deck, look out over the endless expanse of the ocean, watch the constantly emerging wave systems. I dream and let my soul unwind.

Today I'm supposed to cook. With the help of the skipper we make "Pizza Royal" and a delicious fresh fruit salad for dessert. Apples, oranges and kiwis are still in great shape even after days. Bananas, which we bought green, are now slowly ripening.

We have done some good shopping and the food is good. I eat almost better here than at home. Today, with little sea swell - and because we are all cheerful and in a good mood - we celebrate with a bottle of red wine.

Then it's my turn again on watch, I go to the helm, check the sail position, do a bit of navigation and keep an eye out. We last saw the freighter 48 hours ago, but who knows where one might be hanging around again. Everything is far away now: no daily shopping, no oh-so-important WhatsApps, no phone, no appointments, it's incredibly relaxing. You just have to try it: digital detox!

Our yachts are at sea for many days without a break. That's why food is of crucial importance. For an Atlantic crossing, we stock up on supplies for 21 days.

Thoroughly examined

Before our Atlantic crossings, we take your yacht out of the itinerary for a few days. We need this time to thoroughly check your yacht and its equipment.

If you sail via NW Spain and the Canary Islands to the Caribbean, we will take your yacht out of the water again at the “Heuer-Werft” in Hamburg.

Read more

Other information

All crew members are welcome, even if they do not know the language spoken on board (german)

Your additional cruise costs:
ARC fee: included
Diesel, cooking gas, water: included
Port / clearance fees: pro rata
Final cleaning: included / outside / cockpit must be cleaned by the crew themselves
Bed linen: included *
Food: your share approx. 450 €

berth of the yacht
Your yacht is moored in the Muelle Deportivo marina in Las Palmas.

Bring along
Sleeping bag, tea towel, personal medication, for example for seasickness, ID card, passport, oilskins, rubber boots, boat shoes with non-marking soles, comfortable clothes. If necessary / for the night, also a hat, gloves, fleece jacket, in other words a few warmer clothes - and swimwear.
* on board for you: 1 sheet, blanket with duvet cover, pillow with cover, 2 towels

From 3,950 € /person

Are you interested in this activity? We notify you of availability

Contact the coordinator

Boat details

sail

fully battened mainsail with 3 reefs
furling genoa, reef jib
spinnaker pole for extending the genoa

navigation

GPS (2x), color radar, chart plotter
Navcenter at the chart table + steering wheel
active AIS, autopilot
log, depth sounder, wind measuring system
2 x compass with deviation table
hand compass, binoculars, sextant
NAVTEX weather receiver
navigation equipment, paper nautical charts

radio

VHF with DSC / GMDSS, handheld radio
satellite phone with email

safety equipment

8 automatic life jackets with integrated spray caps
Lifebelt + emergency light and double lifeline
8 thermal protective suits
Life raft for 8 people, stick marker buoy with night light
2 life collars (with sea anchor + stick buoy, line + swimming lamp)
distress signals (rockets, etc.)
stick marker buoy with night light
marine emergency radio beacon (EPIRB), throwing line
SAR radar transponder (SART)
2 large + 1 small ABC fire extinguishers
safety lines and additional pick-up points
first aid kit and large on-board pharmacy

Audio

MP3 radio with AUX via Bluetooth
speakers inside and outside
mobile Wi-Fi router
Charging options for mobile phone / photo: with USB, 12-volt, 220 volt

special features

seawater desalination plant
freezer + large refrigerator
Inflatable boat with outboard 5 HP Tohatsu
sprayhood, lazy bag, large bimini
wind generator, solar panels
inverter for 220 volts
pillows, wool blankets
Heating
Teak in the cockpit, large table
stern shower, bathing ladder on bathing platform
extensive tools
2 anchors, electric. Anchor winch with 60 m chain
5 cabins - but maximum occupancy = 7 crew members + skipper

Specifications