What is the minimum size of boat and crew?
ARC - ARC Europe - Rally Portugal : Minimum boat LOA is 27ft (8.23m)
World ARC : Minimum boat LOA is 40ft (12.19m) for 2010/11
All rallies: Minimum crew of two, including the skipper.

How long does it take to cross?
A typical crossing time* for a 40ft (12m) boat is between:
ARC: 16 to 21 days
Rally Portugal: 4 to 5 days (across Biscay)
ARC Europe: 14 to 16 days (Bermuda to Azores)
World ARC: the circumnavigation from St.Lucia back to St.Lucia takes 16 months. If starting and finishing in Europe then allow 24 months.
All crossing times are dependant on the type of boat and the weather conditions experienced.

How much does it cost to enter?
Full details are in the event information packs. Visit the event pages or contact World Cruising Club to receive the pack.

What does the entry fee include?
• an event binder and regular newsletters
• the entry fee includes the rally organisation
• discounted docking before the start and after the finish
• free attendance at seminars and safety demonstrations (varies between events – see the entry packs for specific details).
• social activities in the start and finish ports
• rally flag
• intra-yacht SSB radio net during the rally
• automatic satellite tracking of yachts
• daily weather forecast


Can I use my engine?
World Cruising Club events are primarily cruising rallies, not races, so engines may be used. A time penalty is then added to calculate the fun cruising results. For those who want to race competitively there is a racing division within the ARC, run using IRC handicaps, under the auspices of the Royal Ocean Racing Club.

What Safety Equipment will I need?
The main requirements include, but are not limited to, a liferaft; EPIRB; offshore flare pack; two lifebuoys; two manual bilge pumps; emergency steering and emergency grab bag. A full list of safety equipment requirements is included in the rally enquiry pack.

Do I need an SSB Radio?
A marine HF radio transceiver is only a compulsory requirement for World ARC. However, the position reporting radio net uses SSB. Without an SSB you will not be able to talk easily to other boats during the ARC or ARC Europe. All yachts are required to have some form of long range communications equipment, in addition to a VHF radio, capable of sending an e-mail whilst at sea. Rally Portugal is excluded from this requirement.

How does World Cruising Club keep track of boat’s positions?
World Cruising Club fit all yachts with a satellite tracking device prior to the start, which automatically updates the yacht’s position on the rally website. Crews can also submit daily logos and photographs directly to the website via e-mail.

How do I enter?
Contact World Cruising Club or download the event entry pack.