ARC+ Testing Run: Orcas, Rudder Failures and Monkey Mishaps

Las Palmas Marina handled logistics for all 83 ARC+ entries bound for the 2,700-mile downwind rally to Grenada via Cape Verde, with the fleet split between monohulls and a rapidly expanding multihull division that now makes up over a third of participants.

Race Start and Fleet Composition

The rally began with a classic downwind start, yachts ranging from 33ft to 66ft leaving Las Palmas for Mindelo, Cape Verde, en route to Grenada. First across the line among monohulls was the Oyster 595 XoXo, while the multihulls were led by Lagoon 60 Nicara. Multihulls’ growth in the fleet reflects wider market trends in charter and private ownership: increased interest in spacious, stable platforms both for long-distance rallies and for holiday charters.

Notable Vessels and Crews

Several well-known marques appear in the testing convoy: Fountaine Pajot Kotare, Fountaine Pajot Elba (Pandanus), and Lagoon models including the Lagoon 52F Ruaj and Lagoon 46 Cut and Run. Crew compositions varied from professional skippers to family units using the rally as both a shakedown and a chance to live afloat.

En-route Incidents: Orcas, Mechanicals and Monkey Bites

A string of unusual setbacks tested both equipment and crew preparedness. The most dramatic was multiple reports of pods of orcas interacting aggressively with rudders in the southern tip of Portugal, with one 45ft catamaran, Fountaine Pajot Kotare, losing its rudder after being repeatedly targeted. Repairs in Lagos reportedly exceeded €40,000 for some owners.

Another incident was a classic maintenance failure: Pandanus (a Fountaine Pajot Elba) lost her starboard rudder due to corrosion in the stock. That incident underlines a recurring theme for rally participants and charter operators alike—the need for thorough pre-departure surveys and attention to through-hull and steering system integrity.

Land-based wildlife can be as disruptive as sea creatures: chef Corey, a crewmember on Lagoon 46 Cut and Run, sustained a bite from a Barbary macaque in Gibraltar after approaching the animal too closely. The wound did not require stitches, but the encounter serves as a reminder that marinas and shore stops bring their own set of risk-management considerations for crews and charter guests.

Operational Takeaways for Owners and Charter Operators

• Pre-departure inspections: Thorough checks of rudder stocks, bearings and steering linkages are essential, especially for older yachts and boats that see frequent charter use.
• Wildlife risk awareness: Brief crews and charter guests about local fauna at stops—barbary macaques, sea mammals and shorebirds—to avoid incidents.
• Spare parts and contingency plans: Carry emergency rudder repair kits and have a plan for nearest haul-out or shipyard in common transit points like Lagos and Las Palmas.
• Insurance and survey alignment: Ensure hull and steering systems are covered and that survey reports are up to date for charters and private sales.

Human Stories: Emigration, Family Sailing and Newfound Passions

The ARC+ testing voyage brought human narratives to the fore. Dan Simpson and his family embarked on a life change aboard Fountaine Pajot Kotare, choosing to emigrate to New Zealand after personal loss prompted a reassessment of priorities. Fran Simpson, a paediatrician, plans to return to medicine in New Zealand after a year afloat—an example of how long-distance rallies often intersect with life transitions.

Mexican skipper Gabriel Sidauy and his family are another family story: inspired by meeting a sailor on a flight, they purchased Ruaj (Lagoon 52F) and committed to a global sailing plan. Gabriel credits 14-year-old son Moises as an outstanding junior sailor, while daughter Natalie has impressed other crews with aerial-silk displays tied to the forestay—an image that captures both the adventurous spirit and resourcefulness of family crews.

Naval Bonds and Yacht Ownership

Australian-owner Chris Smith sailed Lagoon 46 Cut and Run to Las Palmas with crew who once served together on the Australian warship HMS Brisbane. Their camaraderie—much of it forged through rugby—illustrates how naval and professional networks often translate into yacht ownership groups and charter syndicates.

Practical Implications for Sailing, Charters and Rentals

Events such as the ARC+ testing voyage influence charter markets in several ways. Visible reports of marine-animal interactions and mechanical failures can affect charterers’ perceptions of safety, while simultaneous increases in multihull popularity drive demand for catamarans in holiday markets. Owners and brokers should use rally outcomes to refine maintenance schedules, update guest briefings, and adjust inventory for summer bookings.

GetBoat always keeps an eye on news related to sailing and seaside vacations, as we truly understand what it means to enjoy great leisure and love the ocean. The GetBoat service values freedom, energy, and the ability to choose your own course, placing no limits on a good life and allowing clients to find a vessel that suits their preferences, budget, and taste. Guests using reputable platforms can view comprehensive details like make, model, and ratings beforehand, ensuring transparency when planning a charter or buying a boat.

If you are planning your next trip to the sea, you should definitely consider renting a boat (boat rentals, rent a boat, rent a yacht), as each inlet, bay, and lagoon is unique and tells you about the region just as much as the local cuisine, architecture, and language and also the unique aspects of the service. GetBoat.com

Forecast and Call to Action

The incidents reported during the ARC+ testing voyage are unlikely to reshape global tourism on their own, but they are highly relevant to the sailing community and to anyone considering a charter or purchase. For an unstable and ever-changing world—much like the sea—staying informed is essential. Start planning your next seaside adventure and make sure to book the best boat and yacht rentals with GetBoat before the opportunity sails away!

Key lessons from the ARC+ testing run: maintain steering systems rigorously, brief crews on wildlife and shore risk, and expect multihulls to remain a dominant, charter-friendly choice. For sailors, charterers and buyers, integrating these insights enhances safety and enjoyment.

In summary, the ARC+ testing voyage combined competitive starts, fleet diversity and a string of unusual incidents—from orca damage and corrosion-induced rudder loss to a macaque bite—that reinforced the importance of maintenance, contingency planning and crew readiness. Whether you are chartering a yacht for a beach holiday, considering a long-distance charter or scouting a boat for sale, the rally’s stories remind us that sailing is an interplay of vessel, crew and environment. From marinas to clearwater coves, from superyacht berths to small gulf anchorages, careful preparation ensures the best of yachting, boating, fishing and ocean activities—so enjoy the sunseeker moments and the rhythm of the sea with a trusted captain and platform at your side.