Las Palmas - Start of the Atlantic Rally for Cruisers
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Opening ceremonies, parties, flag parades, seminars are all very exciting and great knowledge gained but at the start line it's only you and the Atlantic to cross. Late to fill in trade winds are now perfect for the 200 yachts on our start line, with a 25 knot northerly predicted and staying that way for 5 days. Sea temperature here is 20 degrees and by the time we get south to the Verde Islands it will be 26 degrees, so a little wave across the bow will be welcome. 
All this talk about routes at waypoints, opps sorry, waypoints to routes, squalls that pass over so quickly you are left with shampoo in your hair and sea sick management, is all nervously exciting and a challenge for me.
450 tea bags, 50 loo rolls, enough baked beans to fart our way across, 1 litre bottle of water per person per day, beer and wine for happy hour, etc, etc; provisioning is quite a challenge as there is no corner store for the 16 days at sea. With all yachts expected to fly the International code flags it's a spectacular sight across the marina. Here from Australia are John and Sue Gilder on 'Storyteller', John and Irene Hunt on Southern Princess, Phil and Robbie Hearse on 'Ant Eater Blue' all from Sydney and Hans and Suzanne Pettersson on 'Mullee Mullee' from Brisbane. No
NZ boats but we do have New Zealanders Allen and Gerry Pepper, Kevin and Marie on board a 73foot Maxi 'Anxa'. Taking a break we take a bus trip inland to the highest point 1700 metres and a very dramatic landscape, looking back to Las Palmas. An island used to a water shortage and no winter but a place to relax and enjoy paradise. To the south sand dunes and resorts; to the north pine trees and beautiful valleys of palm trees. 
Our time here wouldn't be complete if we didn't visit the museum to Christopher Columbus which recreates the voyage leading to the discovery of the New World. Columbus stayed in this house in 1492 before setting off from Las Palmas, taking 52 days to reach the Caribbean; it will take us 14-16 days.
240 boats entered with 1200 people aboard including children is quite a challenge for the ARC organisers as most of us have been here living aboard for two weeks. We have had a great time as the organisation has been fantastic. Camaraderie between all the yachts sharing knowledge and having fun has been a great experience.A large number of suppliers have had representatives on hand to assist with problems and we have taken advantage of Mastervolt, Raymarine, Onon and Mailasail.Great to see 'Oyster Yachts' have a team of 6 in town to ensure all of their yachts are Rally ready.
The advantage of an official Rally such is ARC is that it encourages you to get your yacht up to standard safety wise and ensure that all fittings and equipment are working correctly.
With all crew now onboard and a test sail to blow away the cobwebs it's going to be a very bonding time for all of us. This is a once in a life time experience and another box to tick off.I will get 'Letter's from the Atlantic' out during the race via our Iridium phone and Mailasail. Also for more info on the race our web site http://www.treleaven.com.au/ will show our position and so long as its moves we are making progress or for the whole fleet positions www.worldcruising.com/arc .