World ARC 2022 - Darwin Start Update

World Cruising Club continues to prepare for a planned start from Darwin for World ARC in September 2022. However, to enable the rally to take place, countries on the rally route must be open to international yacht arrivals in sufficient time to enable participating boats and crew to reach Darwin and set sail with certainty of entry into ports on the route. Whilst the trend towards opening borders is continuing, there are still on-going restrictions that limit the route choices.

Australia is still not open for international maritime arrivals; Indonesia and South Africa are open with the re-introduction of an immigration visa in Indonesia and an advanced arrival authorisation now required for entry into South Africa. Brazil is moving forward with the re-opening of two ports for international arrivals: Recife and Fernando de Noronha. There have been no official announcements to date, but expectations are that most Australian regions will re-open within the next couple of months.

The rally is being planned for a smaller than usual fleet, no more than 15 yachts, however it is important that there is a minimum of 10 confirmed entrants to ensure the rally is feasible. To date, there are seven confirmed, although interest in joining continues. A decision on whether the rally will go ahead or not will be taken by the end of June, or sooner if a positive ‘go decision’ is clear before June.