The nine islands that make up the Azores Archipelago, are the European Union's remotest outpost, and are spread over 600km2 of ocean. The islands are situated between latitudes 36 - 39 N and Longitudes 25 - 31W.

There are three groups of islands, the eastern group of São Miguel and Santa Maria, the central group of Terceria, Graciosa, São Jorge, Pico and Faial and the western group of Flores and Corvo.

All of the ARC Europe yachts when approaching Bermuda have to check in with Bermuda Radio. Bermuda radio situated high on the hill above St. Georges town serves three purposes, a rescue co-ordination centre, a Vessel Traffic Surveillance Centre and a Coast Radio Centre.

Bermuda is an archipelago consisting of seven main islands and many smaller outlying islands. The main islands consist of hilly terrain and a subtropical climate and are clustered together.

All of the yachts that are participating in the event will have to have a Safety Equipment Inspection before the start of the rally. This aims to achieve a number of different outcomes. The first is that we know that all the equipment needed in an emergency is onboard; the second is to make sure that it is at the top of lockers and people know where their own equipment is. The final reason is that the safety officers have a wealth of knowledge and have been on many boats and can pass on any hints and tips they have picked up over the years. Read about the Safety Equipment Inspections here.

Antigua was first settled by the Siboney (stone age) people whose settlements have been dated back as far as 2400BC. These people were then succeeded by the Arawaks who originated in Venezuela and gradually migrated up the chain of islands now called the Lesser Antilles. Most of the surrounding islands were then populated by the Carib people who drove the Arawaks out however Antigua was never settled by them.

Read more about the fascinating history of St.Augustine, the oldest city in north America and starting port for the US leg of the ARC Europe rally.