Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to enter?
Full details are in the rally information packs. To request an information pack, click on 'Tell me more" at the top of this webpage or contact World Cruising Club 

What does the entry fee include?
• a rally handbook and regular newsletters
• discounted docking before the start and after the finish - varies between rallies
• seminars and safety demonstrations for ARC, ARC Caribbean 1500, ARC Europe and ARC USA
• social activities in the start and finish ports
• rally flag
• intra-yacht SSB radio net during the rally
• automatic satellite tracking of yachts
• daily email weather forecast
• Online posting of yacht blogs and photographs

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.  In the ARC Caribbean 1500 Open Division, no times are taken or results calculated.
For those who want to race competitively there is a racing division within the ARC.

What safety equipment will I need?
The main requirements include, but are not limited to, an appoved liferaft; EPIRB; offshore flare pack; two lifebuoys; two manual bilge pumps; emergency steering; inflatable lifejackets (PFDs) for all on board; 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 (SSB) radio transceiver is only a compulsory requirement for World ARC.
All boats in all transocean rallies (excludes ARC Portugal,, ARC Baltic and ARC Channel Islands) must be able to receive email at sea for rally weather forecasts and fleet notices.  Boat owners can choose whether to use SSB with a pactor modem, or sat phone to receive emails. All boats need to be fitted with a VHF transceiver.

How does World Cruising Club keep track of boat’s positions?

World Cruising Club fits all boats in our transocean rallies with a satellite tracking device prior to the start, which automatically updates the yacht’s position on the rally website.  Family and friends at home can follow the boat's progress on the Fleet Viewer on every rally website. Crews can also submit daily blogs and photographs directly to the website via e-mail.

How do I enter?
You can enter all World Cruising Club rallies online, paying securely by credit or debit card, or making a bank transfer.  Click on the 'How to Enter' page of each rally website to get the link, or go to the Members Area.  Customers in the US can pay by check. You can also enter by contacting us by phone in the UK +44 (0)1983 296060 or USA +1 757 788-8872 or email [email protected]

What happens if the entry list is full?
The number of boats that can enter each rally is limited to cope with docking in rally ports.  If this number is exceeded, then we start a wait list and boats are moved from the wait list onto the rally as spaces become available.  This is usually only a problem for the ARC (both routes), ARC Baltic, World ARC and ARC Caribbean 1500. If in doubt, make entry as soon as possible!  Entry lists open in September/October of the preceding year and entry lists can be viewed on each rally page.

 

We recommend that you register your interest to receive the rally information pack and notification for entries open. Do this via the Tell Me More link.

How do I get crew?

If you want to recruit crew, visit OceanCrewLink.  This is an online service connecting boat owners with offshore sailing crew developed by World Cruising Club.

Can I take my pets (cats/dogs etc)?

We have no restrictions on what animals you carry on your boat, but you must comply with laws and regulations for your home country and any countries visited by the rally.  Full information is included in the Rally Handbooks, or contact us for more details.  It is worth thinking about whether your pet will be happy onboard for an extended cruise, especially for long offshore passages.