Launched in 1986, the Atlantic Rally for Cruisers (ARC) is now a regular on the international sailing calendar. The transatlantic rally starts in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria and crosses to Rodney Bay Marina on the Caribbean island of St Lucia.
As the largest trans-ocean sailing event in the world, ARC brings together over 170 competitors from around the globe. The 2700-nautical mile passage on the trade-wind route takes on average between 14 and 21 days. Position reports are displayed for the fleet on the World Cruising Club website, allowing family and friends to follow the progress of the yachts.
During the build-up to the start there is a variety of lectures, safety demonstrations, rally briefings and parties. In St Lucia, events and parties take place almost daily from the arrival of the first boat through to the final prize-giving four weeks after the start.
The ARC aims to make the Atlantic crossing safer, more enjoyable and more manageable for the typical offshore cruising sailor. But putting these worthy considerations aside, for the average holidaymaker this is just a great opportunity to enjoy the drama of the race and party.
During the build-up to the start there is a variety of lectures, safety demonstrations, rally briefings and parties. In St Lucia, events and parties take place almost daily from the arrival of the first boat through to the final prize-giving four weeks after the start.
The ARC aims to make the Atlantic crossing safer, more enjoyable and more manageable for the typical offshore cruising sailor. But putting these worthy considerations aside, for the average holidaymaker this is just a great opportunity to enjoy the drama of the race and party.
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