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Cross the Atlantic with the ARC
The Atlantic Rally for Cruisers
This annual transatlantic rally starting each November in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, has now become the most popular way to cross the Atlantic. The largest transocean sailing event in the world, every year the ARC brings together over 200 yachts from all over the world. The Caribbean destination is Rodney Bay in Saint Lucia, one of the most beautiful islands in the Lesser Antilles. The 2700 nautical mile passage on the NE tradewind route takes on average between 14 and 21 days.

Conceived as a friendly race for cruising yachts to make the Atlantic crossing both safer and more enjoyable, participating yachts must carry a range of safety equipment including a liferaft, EPIRB and VHF radio. Daily radio nets contribute further to the safety of participants. The presence of experienced sailors is another incentive for those with little offshore experience.

The ARC has a special flavour, which successfully combines racers with cruisers, old with young, and provides entertainment for all. A wide ranging programme of entertainment takes place both before the start and after the finish. The ARC enjoys the support of the Tourist Authority of Gran Canaria, the Port Authority of Las Palmas, Rol Nautic and the Saint Lucia Board of Tourism.

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KEY DETAILS

• The ARC departs from Las Palmas de Gran Canaria and crosses to Rodney Bay, Saint Lucia on the following dates:

ARC 2012 25 November
ARC 2013 24 November

• The ARC is open to cruising monohulls with a minimum length of 8.23-25.91m (27 to 85ft) and cruising catamarans from 8.23 - 18.29m (27 to 60 ft) LOA. Yachts outside these sizes may be permitted to join in the Open Division.
• The competitive side of the event will be catered for by the Racing Division, rated under the IRC Handicap System, run under the auspices of the Royal Ocean Racing Club (RORC).
• The World Cruising handicap is used to calculate results in the cruising classes, in which motoring is permitted.
• A full programme of social activities, safety seminars and demonstrations will be organised by World Cruising Club in Las Palmas prior to the start, and after the finish in St.Lucia.
• Confirmed entrants receive regular newsletters about the ARC, containing useful information about planning an Atlantic crossing, updates on entries and safety tips.

What is sailing the ARC like?
Why not watch this video montage taken by Australian yacht Sunboy in the 2009 ARC.  Sunboy was sailed by the Sparkes family, and the video covers the parties and preparation in Las Palmas, as well as life at sea and landfall in Saint Lucia.