Social Cruising
Small and friendly
We keep the ARC Europe fleet small and select - between 30 and 40 yachts - which we find provides the optimum combination for socialising, making friends and supporting each other. Our crews are usually a mix of friends, couples, and families; some completing an Atlantic circuit, and some heading into the ocean for the first time.Before the start the fleet quickly makes friends whilst comparing yachts, provisioning and preparing for sea. This camaraderie continues over the daily radio nets at sea, and the social activities ashore. Bermuda is where the two starting fleets meet, and great friendships are formed over discussions about the first leg and the Atlantic adventure to come. The full programme of social activities in Bermuda certainly helps too!
| Blonde Moment (GBR) Hallberg Rassy 40, ARC Europe 2010: “We've done all kinds of events and tours while in the Azores but the common theme between all of the destinations has been the bonding of the ARC Europe fleet. Strong feelings of camaraderie and some true friendships have developed through our shared journey. It's a comforting feeling to have the same familiar faces greet you in every port and to know that everyone truly cares about the safe passage and arrival of one another. This is what it's all about.” |
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Setantii (GBR) Sweden 42, ARC Europe2010:
“Bermuda is a most beautiful island, some kind of paradise. Blue lagoons, white beaches and multi coloured houses, breathtaking. There are some great walks around the island and a super bus and ferry service. The ARC Europe guys have organised some great parties and socials, and we have also enjoyed the company of our fellow sailors.” | Our experienced event team meet the Rally in each port and provide support and advice on everything from the best restaurants to how to obtain spares. As any previous ARC Europe participant will tell you, the social side of this adventure is equally as enjoyable as the sailing. In each destination there will be a free welcome social event, often a dinner in the local style. Azores cruise
The highlight of the event for many boats is the Azores cruise. Before the final leg from the Azores to Portugal, we organise a cruise through the Azorean archipelago. Combined with our programme of social and sightseeing activities, this will give you an opportunity to really discover the landscape and architecture of these beautiful and friendly islands. The cruise is the highlight of ARC Europe for many participants.
Splendido (USA) Beneteau 57, ARC Europe 2010:
“It has been a lot of fun to cruise the Azores in the company of the other ARC Europe boats, reconnecting with old sailing friends and making new ones. The Azores offer a travelling sailor a little bit of everything, with interesting history, great architecture, friendly people, excellent food and hangover-inducing wine. Most of the food and wine we've been enjoying is grown in the Azores, and it's all very good! We've visited churches and gardens, "tasted" at wineries, meandered through towns and cities, toured the countryside, explored volcanoes, swam in hot springs, and even met a cheese maker along the way!” |
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Berkeley East (USA) Hylas 54, ARC Europe 2010:
“The ARC Europe brings a whole new dimension to the term ‘boat rally’. The stops in Bermuda and the Azores gave everyone a chance to really get acquainted, and the land time made it much more of a vacation, rather than simply ‘moving the boat’. We cannot imagine the solitude of crossing the Atlantic alone. Our special thanks for helping to make this long passage a wonderful experience"
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