There are over 200 yachts gathered in the harbour of Las Palmas in Gran Canaria to participate in this year's rally across the Atlantic Ocean, nearly 3000 miles to the Caribbean. November 25 is the start date and for the last week participants, including us, have been busy preparing their boats for the voyage, attending seminars on everything from safety procedures to provisioning, having equipment and gear checked. This time on Distant Shores we take you through the final few days leading up to the Official Start of the Atlantic Rally for Cruisers when the reality of what lies ahead sinks in and safety skills become the primary focus as dangerous weather threatens the start of this prestigious rally.