ARC - exciting and crowded start
Regina
Espen Aalstad
Sun 16 Dec 2007 13:13
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Sunday November 25th. All 240 boats are more (or less
ready) to leave Las Palmas.
Some have done the ARC before (up to 7 times), but most of
us are for the first time heading into the big blue
& unknown.
At Pontoon 17, there is hectic activity. Last
minute phone calls to friends, pictures, packing flags/cables away and watching
others.
 The ARC is an important event in Las Palmas and
locals come out to cheer us on.
 ARC participants also created a great
spirit!
 Everybody wants to make the start on
time. From our spot we could watch and leave late as we had an easy
exit.
See all the people cheering on the
pier!
 Almost by the start and waiting for the signal.
Mainsail up and we are all watching out for others in the heavy wind.
 Which will be the fastest course? SW, but into the
wind acceleration zone at G. Canaria?
 or go a little East, out to sea and then
South. Our friends on Hartbeat right on our side.
These decisions proved to be quite important in the
end.
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