Well at least part of it is....  Scott (tactician and sail master), and "Captain Eric" or "Cap" (galley chief and senior member), both arrived earlier than the others, since they will engage in the provisioning process.  Trying to provision for 5 guys for 3 weeks, is no easy task!  Besides their ship board duties, they will be doing an inventory of food stuff, creating stowage space, and then start the job of determining where and when to get things, and how and when to get it delivered.  it looks like El Corte Ingles, in the center of the metropolitan area, is going to be "provisioning central" for us.  The store is huge....not only 3 times the size of our local Giant in Annapolis, but it is a full department store.  And while provisioning goes on, so does the preparation of the boat with spare parts, stowage, and preparation for the "ARC Safety Inspection"....a quite detailed review of all safety equipment and procedures, and a test of the captains preparedness!  This last is an important feature about the ARC...while they organize parties and good times, they also want to be sure that all boats leave fully prepared for this type of long and challenging sail, away from virtually any shore support!  The second night, we headed out for the "ARC Owner's Dinner" at the Real Club Nautico de Gran Canaria  (the Royal Yacht Club), where we met and talked with several other owners and crew, including Andrew and Sabrina from Gaia, an Oyster 46....we had a great time sharing adventures, and discussing the conditions likely to be encountered in the 3,000 mile crossing.  To staff the ARC Team, the World Cruising Club provides opportunities for sailing minded professionals from all over, and one picture with our ARC hostess for the evening from UK.