Atlantic Rally for Cruisers
Organised by the World Cruising Club, the Atlantic Rally for Cruisers (ARC) has now been successfully running for over thirty years. Since November 1986, the ARC has been a great way for cruising sailors to cross the ocean using the favourable north easterly trade winds in pursuit of a better sailing climate in the Caribbean. While most of us choose to fly at 30,000 feet, these adventurous sailors choose to take on the potentially treacherous challenge of a transatlantic voyage.
Atlantic Rally for Cruisers Facts
Any sailing enthusiast will have heard of the ARC – no, not Noah’s Arc, but the Atlantic Rally for Cruisers, where sailors from all walks of life set off from Gran Canaria, Canary Islands destined for our lovely St Lucia. Interestingly, the arrival point was not St Lucia until 1990 when organisers needed a marina that could hold the 200-plus boats. They found the solution in the IGY Rodney Bay Marina. ARC+ was introduced in 2013, where boats sail down to Cape Verde for a 3-5 day layover, then across to St Lucia.
ARC is an exceptional event; this year marks the 31st year, boats will be setting off from the Canary Islands in an exciting rally. ARC has helped forge lifelong friendships and earned a stellar reputation. This bond keeps people coming back time and again, while still drawing newcomers every year. It is now one of the most well known events in the sailing world.
Friends and relatives of yacht crews fly in to join their loved ones for a well-earned holiday. With entries hailing from many countries around the globe, St. Lucia sees this as an opportunity to showcase its island culture to the world stage. Come and join the excitement of one of the largest events in the yachting calendar. Later, congratulate the crews at the marina. These are some of the important ARC dates in November.
Important Dates
November 6th: ARC+ Start: Leg 1 Las Palmas de Gran Canaria – Sao Vincente, Cape Verde
November 11th-13th : ARC+ Arrive – Mindelo, Sao Vincente
November 16th : ARC+ Re-Start: Sao Vincent – St Lucia
November 20th : Start of ARC 2016 from Las Palmas
November 27th – December 1st : ARC+ boats finish (approx) – Rodney Bay, St Lucia
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