Ireland's Cara of the South, a 10.67-metre Tradewind 35, is the smallest yacht entered in the 2026 ARC+ transatlantic rally, which celebrated its opening ceremony in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria on Sunday, 1st November.
The Irish entry is among an international fleet preparing to sail from the Canary Islands to Grenada via Cape Verde, with the first leg scheduled to start on Sunday, 8 November. A total of 352 sailors representing 28 countries are taking part in this year's ARC+, organised by World Cruising Club.
Colourful Opening Ceremony in Las Palmas
The opening ceremony brought crews together at Las Palmas Marina for a colourful parade of national flags, accompanied by local bands Banda Guiniguada and Batucada Paixão. The celebrations marked a significant milestone for crews who have spent months, and in some cases years, preparing their yachts for the Atlantic crossing.
Atlantic Ambitions: The international ARC+ fleet gathers in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria ahead of its 8 November departure for Cape Verde, with Ireland's Cara of the South, a 10.67-metre Tradewind 35, the smallest yacht entered in the two-stage rally to Grenada. Photo: Jesus de Leon
Speaking at the ceremony, Bea Arts from the Dutch yacht Caconano described the atmosphere as unforgettable.
"It was amazing. We had fantastic chats with everyone walking down the road. Everybody was cheering, and we had goosebumps!"
She said the gathering had helped crews connect ahead of their shared adventure, adding that the prospect of arriving in Grenada after completing the two passages was particularly exciting.
Final Preparations for Atlantic Crossing
ARC+ Event Manager Andrew Pickersgill welcomed the international fleet and thanked the local authorities and community for their continued support.
"It's brilliant to celebrate such diversity amongst the fleet, and while the participants hail from different countries, they are united under the common goal of sailing across the Atlantic Ocean," he said.
The shoreside programme, which began on 28 October, continues this week with safety demonstrations, bluewater sailing seminars and social events, culminating in a farewell party on 6 November.
For the crew of Cara of the South, the coming days will mark the final preparations before joining the larger yachts on the first passage to Cape Verde.
The fleet is scheduled to depart Las Palmas on Sunday, 8 November, then continue from Cape Verde towards Grenada for the second stage of the rally.
