ARC: Across the Atlantic, as though you have wings, with the Parasailor
Downwind courses are Parasailor’s forte; a spinnaker with wings, which makes sailing spinnakers child’s play. It’s no wonder that more and more crews are opting to use them, sailing that is relaxed and fast in equal measures, using only the wind – even at the Atlantic Rally for Cruisers (ARC), the world’s biggest Atlantic regatta.
209 yachts recently started out on the ARC from Gran Canaria, heading for the Caribbean island of St.Lucia. 33 of them had already affixed the Parasailor at the spinnaker start, by the island’s capital, Las Palmas. Participants in the 2700 mile regatta, which is taking place for the 24th time this year, can count for the most part on trade winds abaft.
The 33 Parasailor crews are being pulled across the Atlantic in a relaxed manner with the large driving sail made by ISTEC AG. In contrast to the standard spinnaker, a yacht with Parasailor can be kept on an optimal course when using the automatic steering. The incorporated wing stabilises the sail. For this reason, many leave their Parasailor in place at night.
“We affixed our new Parasailor on the coast of Gran Canaria and sailed with a very steady course of 9 to 10 knots, reaching a top speed of 12.5 knots,” enthused the skipper of “Victory Too” over the radio, also stating that the sail more than met with expectations.
In spite of the relaxed Parasailor sailing, the crews really got in the miles. Examples are the Farr 56, “Victory Too”, and the Oyster 56, “Gwylan”, who in the first day’s sailing announced they had covered 200 miles. Of the multihulls among the five current leading ships, four are equipped with a Parasailor. The crew of the Privilege 495 “Mojomo” were delighted with their Parasailor in the special design of the Jolly Roger.
For these ever greater numbers of ARC skippers who have opted for the Parasailor, ISTEC AG has offered a special service with their on site representative, Thomas Wibberenz. There was not only a Parasailor ‘happy hour’ party, Thomas even went sailing with all clients before the start, and gave the skippers and crews a few final tricks & tips on how to use the Parasailor with ease. He will also welcome the Parasailor ARC community in mid December at the port of destination, St. Lucia.
Until then, Parasailor sailors can relax and enjoy the cruiser regatta across the Atlantic – as if they have wings – without having to forego that spinnaker speed in the trade wind.