Outremer catamarans shine once again in the first leg of the ARC+ rally, with remarkable performances.
The ARC and ARC+ are very popular transatlantic rallies, bringing together sailors from all over the world keen to cross the Atlantic in a friendly and sporting atmosphere. This year, around ten Outremer boats are taking part in this adventure, and the results of the first leg, from Las Palmas to the Cape Verde Islands, are particularly promising: five Outremer catamarans are in the Top 10, a fine demonstration of the qualities of these boats, which are competing with the other participants.
Prior to the start, the Outremer team supported its crews with a comprehensive preparation programme. This included sailing sessions, speed tests in the Bay of Las Palmas, technical debriefings and detailed weather analysis. The aim: to ensure that each boat and each crew is perfectly ready for this great Atlantic crossing.
The ARC+ rally consists of two stages:
- Stage 1: Las Palmas – Cape Verde Islands
- Stage 2: Cape Verde – Grenada
Participants in the ARC (a variant of the rally) set off from Las Palmas on 24 November, bound for Saint Lucia.
The Outremer team is closely following the performance of its crews throughout this adventure and is also sharing news of the 15 other Outremer catamarans crossing the Atlantic solo.
The results obtained during this first leg once again reinforce Outremer’s position as leader in the daggerboard catamaran category.
Testimonials from our crews: Appa and Oxane recount their first leg
Alexandra on Oxane
“Leg 1: With little wind at the start from Gran Canaria, we set off under Code 0. We then hoisted the gennaker, accompanied by Sizzle and Appa, as we sailed along the south of the island. On board were four adults and two young children (aged 5 and 2 and a half). Despite a few bouts of seasickness and some Covid-related challenges on board, we held on to stay in the Top 5.
We had a great crew, motivated despite the fatigue, and we are very proud to have finished 3ᵉ, just ahead of Appa. Thanks to Oxane’s rigorous preparation over the last five months, we didn’t encounter any technical problems.”
If I had to describe this stage in three words: testing, exciting and motivating for the future. Living aboard Oxane is our daily life, and these results are a huge source of pride.
Some figures from our first leg:
- 994 nautical miles sailed.
- An average speed of 9.5 knots.
- A peak of 21.8 knots.
- Crossing from Gran Canaria to Mindelo in 4 days and 7 hours.”
Phoebe on Appa
“This first leg was an incredibly enjoyable experience, thanks in part to Oxane (another French Outremer) and the strong bond between the Outremer crews. Our group discussion was a precious asset: exchanging sail adjustments, sharing experiences or solving problems together was a precious help.
The conditions were ideal: enough wind to sail with the gennaker most of the time, sometimes the spinnaker, making the crossing fast and comfortable. Outremer did a remarkable job in Las Palmas. We benefited from exceptional support, with detailed briefings on routing, strategic options and the weather. The team’s experience and support really made our start easier. For the second leg, the crew remains unchanged: two friends, my husband, my children (the twins) and my daughter. Our plan after the finish is to sail back up to Guadeloupe, then cross the Panama Canal to reach the Galapagos Islands.”
Well done to all the participants, and good luck for the rest of this great transatlantic adventure!
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