Gran Canaria and St. Lucia

Gran Canaria - start venue
From the green seas of banana plantations along the northern coast to the lush gorges and pine forested mountains of the interior and the white sand dunes of Maspalomas in the south, it is easy to see why the diversity of Gran Canaria led to it being called "a continent in miniature". The rugged western coast has deep valleys forming tropical enclaves and small towns which retain a tranquil rustic air, so that it is hard to remember that the busy metropolis of Las Palmas is only a few kilometres away.

Las Palmas - a modern city
It is the all year round sunshine and sandy beaches of the south of the island which have lured North European visitors to these shores in their millions and in the last thirty years the coastal area has been transformed. From the Playa de San Agustin and Playa del Ingles to Maspalomas, large complexes of hotels, apartment blocks, villas and their attendant facilities have been built to cater for this influx. Las Palmas, the start venue for the ARC, is a modern bustling city, which has grown up around one of the busiest ports of Spain.

Port flourishing with palms
The yacht marina lies at the southern end of the main harbour, halfway between the Vegueta and the Parque Santa Catalina. The pleasure port has been upgraded in recent years, with more pontoons being installed, new shower blocks and in 1996 a floating breakwater to add to its protection. The ARC has played its role in this improvement and the port authority acknowledged this by building a permanent office for the ARC at the southern end of the marina. The fifth ARC was marked by planting palm trees and the whole port has flourished with palms since then, living up to its name.

St Lucia - finish destination
St Lucia is known as Helen of the Caribbean being one of the Caribbean's most beautiful islands, with the rising volcanic peaks of the Grand and Petit Pitons, and landlocked Marigot Bay where a British naval fleet reputedly hid from the French at the time of the Napoleonic wars. The rule of St Lucia was disputed by the French and British until the latter established their claim in 1814. Independence was gained in 1979. St Lucia's culture is a unique mix of French, English and African influences, the French influence marked in the local patois and many of the place names.

Landfall of transatlantic events
Rodney Bay, on St Lucia's northern extremity, is the island's main yachting centre and landfall of all World Cruising's transatlantic events. Sailors are always warmly welcomed at Rodney Bay Marina which has a wide range of facilities and is located in a well-protected lagoon.


Source: www.worldcruising.com