Besides the safety and support provided by the World Cruising Club during these monumental passages, are the opportunities made available to do good deeds. Since we are living on a boat, traveling from place to place, the boys have not ahad a chance to to participate in much community service or charity work. This is where ARC+ comes in.

In Las Palmas, Grand Canaria, the World Cruising Club & ARC have partnered with the local re-forestation project. Over the last decade, sailors have rolled up their sleeves to plant thousands of trees. On this particular day, there was a group of 30 or so that planted over 200 indigenous trees. This was a great “Field Trip” for boat school, as we were able to tie science lessons with community service, while getting to know our rally mates a bit better.

In Mindelo, Cape Verde, the ARC+ helps supprt a local charity, SOS. We had a chance to visit their facility just outside of the main city of Mindelo. SOS is home to 6-12 boys, while also serving as a before and after school facility for youths coming from at risk homes, in need of TLC. In addition to providing assistance to the boys, SOS also offers parenting classes, job training for young moms, and medical/dental care. While the city of Mindelo provided the land and buildings, the Canadian Embassy built their sport court and playground. The WIDAGO and KiwiBeanz boys had a great soccer/football match with the SOS kids. After a sweaty match, the sailors presented gifts of clothing, school supplies, and toys to the facility. Our hosts were kind and gracious, and felt we very fortunate to have had a chance to meet and play with them.

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
•