ARC (Atlantic Rally for Cruisers)

The Rock of Gibraltar with a cloud indicating the gale force winds in the strait!

Our marina in Las Palmas, Gran Canaria

Captain Steve up the mast and looking down at Maria who winched him up there!

One of the many parties for the ARC 2013 participants!

The offices for the ARC.  The workers are everywhere and very helpful!

This boat will be crossing the Atlantic with us too (French as you can see).  We're certain it will beat us!

Our number for the crossing.  It reminds us of the current year!

Carrying the official USA flag in the parade of nations for the ARC!

The dock where Aspen is resting for the time being!

The USA flag proudly flying next to the Spanish flag!

ARC costume party for the Ruby Goddess and either a Roman Senator or Slash of Guns 'n Roses fame?

Our friends on the boat next to us in the marina.  What great costumes they had!

Two fisted drinker...

Supplies for the long journey across the Atlantic!

Safety demonstration with a live helicopter, rescue swimmer and evacuation from a sailboat.  It was very impressive!

Just some of the 220 Rally boats in Las Palmas.

Another safety demonstration with a life raft in the pool.  The admiral didn't want to get wet :)

This is our tracking device onboard Aspen!

Maria making a point with a fellow sailor on the Rally.  I think she won of course!

Another view of carrying the USA flag in the parade with fellow USA sailors!

The costumes from one of the parties with spectacular entertainment!

The Spanish really know how to entertain and party!

The crowd watching the festivities at an ARC party.

S/Y Aspen – November 21, 2013 – Log #112
Aspen Position: 28 degrees 09’ N  015 degrees 25’ W (UTC Hours)

Inspections, meetings, seminars, safety drills and of course the parties have highlighted the past fortnight (2 weeks in our language) for Aspen here in Las Palmas, Gran Canaria.  International crews from all over the world have gathered in the marina to take part in the largest sailing rally on the planet, the ARC.

As each day passes the tension in the air becomes more and more apparent among the participants in our upcoming voyage across the Atlantic ocean.

Food, water, spare parts and oh yes, even the crews are onboard scurrying around getting boats ready for the journey. 

It should take us around 21 days to cross to St. Lucia in the Caribbean from our comfortable berth in Las Palmas once we leave on Sunday, Nov. 24th. 

We have been fitted with a satellite transponder that will track our position, course and speed every hour of the day and night.

If you would like to follow us online at any time just go to:

http://www.worldcruising.com/arc/eventfleetviewer.aspx
(Right at the top of the Map there is a TAB that lets you choose between ARC+ and ARC.  Choose Atlantic Rally for Cruisers without the + to see Aspen!)

Look toward the back of the massive fleet and you will see Aspen dancing among the waves.

So when you are enjoying your nice Thanksgiving dinner sitting around a warm crackling fire with family and friends maybe give us a thought if you would, far far away out on the endless sea, traveling ever so slowly with only the wind and sea for our Thanksgiving company.

Sail on, sail on and sail safe Aspen...