Fun Competition

While we offer a fun competitive element to ARC Europe with timed starts and finishes and a range of fun prizes, we state that the event is not a race. The fun competition adds a little spice and fun to passage-making, while still allowing for use of engines and all the comforts of long distance cruising.

Just for fun...

Blonde Moment (GBR) Hallberg Rassy 40, ARC Europe 2010: “With a corrected time, Blonde Moment finished third in our class in the longest leg of this journey. We were very proud of this fact and were presented with a traditional gift from the Azorean islands; a magnet. This little gem will no doubt be treasured for generations to come. I was also presented with an award in Horta. I won a watch for 'best blog', and have now set the standard VERY, VERY high for the rest of the ARC Europe participants. Add to this our award in Bermuda for ‘Team With the Most Enthusiasm!’ and I'd say we're an all around gifted crew!”  Blonde Moment: “Whole roast Chicken, roast potatoes, carrots, bread sauce, stuffing and peas - we even hove-to and ate off plates at the table rather than the regular dog bowls such was the event.” Splendido (USA) Beneteau 57, ARC Europe 2010: “We learned yesterday morning that Splendido placed 6th on corrected time for leg 1. We are motivated to do better on leg 2, and because we owe everyone time, we will have to sail well and minimize time under power to place well within the fleet. It's a friendly competition and we still sail pretty conservatively, reefing early and tolerating a boat speed of three knots before turning on the engine.”

The rally has three organised legs: BVIs or Hampton VA to Bermuda; Bermuda to the Azores; and Azores to Portugal. During the Rally’s time in the Azores we will organise a cruise between the islands, but yachts are able to make their own arrangements if they wish.

Camaraderie is the key benefit of similarly-paced yachts sailing in a loose flotilla over the same course. The yachts take an interest in each other’s positions, provoking lively debate about yacht design, sail plans and sailing ability. These connections prove invaluable when advice or assistance is required in mid ocean. Rafiki (GBR) Beneteau Oceanis 473, ARC Europe 2010: “The last island we visited was the largest, Sao Miguel. This required an overnight sail which was a delightful romp. We managed a very fast crossing but realised that we would be entering in the dark and would be the first ones in, so we reduced sail and let Splendido and Berkely East pass us so that they could take our lines when we docked. What a load of wimps we are!”