It’s been a while since we last wrote — simply because we’ve had a busy but wonderful time. We arrived safely in Las Palmas and moored Akuna at what would be our home for the next three weeks: S17, the family dock of the ARC+.

Day by day, more boats arrived, turning these floating planks of wood into a lively, cheerful place to hang out.

During the first couple of weeks, we settled into a comfortable routine of boat school, small outings, and provisioning trips. A few minor boat jobs needed attention too — but since we arrived early, everything felt relaxed and stress-free.

Now, in the final week before the start, the program is in full swing. The kids spend most mornings at the kids’ club with their new friends, there are seminars for us to join, last-minute shopping to do, and our big fruit and vegetable delivery from the local Market has arrived — leaving us with enough apples to feed the entire Cape Verde Islands! Most importantly, our crew member Cornelius has also joined us.

We’re quite excited to see if he’ll fall in love with bluewater sailing. The boys are already wondering how many times he’ll bump his head going in and out of the boat, since he’s rather tall! After passing the ARC’s mandatory safety check with flying colors, Cornelius now gets to spend the week with his family before coming aboard on Sunday.

Meanwhile, the kids have begun their surfing careers — both on water and sand. With their new surf instructor, Paul, from the Australian catamaran Pandanus, they’ve conquered some great waves at the Las Palmas town beach.

This stay in Gran Canaria has been far more enjoyable than the last. Having done a few major crossings before, meal planning feels much easier this time, and we have a better idea of what we’ll need. (Still, I’m sure we’ll run out of some things sooner than expected — and end up with too much of others!)

This, and Marks preparation left us with more time to explore the island and have fun.

Soon enough, though, our time here will come to a grand end as we start the regatta to Mindelo on São Vicente, Cape Verde, where we’ll have a short break before heading west to Grenada.

We’ve fitted a Yellowbrick tracker again, so you’ll be able to follow our journey in almost real time.

After a truly wonderful few weeks in Gran Canaria, it’s time to set sail once more — and we are soooready