The ARC (Atlantic Rally for Cruisers) is not just a challenging ocean crossing, but also an opportunity for sailors to raise awareness and support for important causes. The inspiring crews of three yachts in the 140-strong ARC 2024 fleet are demonstrating that the spirit of adventure extends far beyond the open sea, making a lasting and meaningful impact for those in need.
Kari of Lymington
The Lymington-based yacht, Kari of Lymington, is using their participation in the ARC to raising awareness and funds for Huntington's Disease.
Onboard is Sarah Hood, a beauty therapist from Lymington, who bravely battles Huntington's Disease. The crew has adapted their onboard life to accommodate Sarah's needs, ensuring she remains an active and integral part of the yacht's operations.
Huntington's Disease is a genetically inherited neurological condition, which stops areas of the brain working overtime. Symptoms usually start to develop at 30 to 50 years of age, and get worse over time. Individuals with Huntington's have problems with movement and coordination, their ability to communicate can also be impacted as the ability to concentrate and retain information. Sadly there is no cure or treatment to stop it progressing
The crew of Kari of Lymington is committed to raising money for the Huntington's Disease charity, highlighting the importance of support and research for those affected by this condition. Their journey is a testament to resilience, teamwork, and the spirit of adventure.
Kari of Lymington (Oyster 46) currently leads its Division D for cruising yachts. You can follow their progress on the YB Races App and contribute to their cause through their 'Just Giving' donations page.
https://www.justgiving.com/page/sarah-sailing-atlantic
Maui1
The crew onboard Maui1 (a 13.9m Pitturazzi) are participating in the ARC to raise awareness of Clown 2.0. Clown 2.0 is a charity that, with over 100 Hospital Clown Volunteers, brings smiles to paediatric hospitals and supports orphaned or disadvantaged children in Italy and around the world. The red nose and the smile serve as initial tools for building authentic relationships and providing support in areas such as medical care, nutrition, and education.
Gianni Bitonti, president of Clown 2.0 who conceived this Atlantic challenge project explains:
"Every time we offer a smile to others, we become better people, but when we offer it to less fortunate children, our actions become extraordinary. Every volunteer, by wearing the red nose, performs a gesture that is enriching and inspiring. Achieving a small, extraordinary feat by crossing the ocean by sailboat is the best way to share and promote volunteerism.”
They aim to raise awareness of Clown 2.0's mission, and increase its membership and support base through the dissemination of its projects for children; to remember and support children, honouring those who were unable to achieve their dreams and encouraging those who can in the future; and to raise funds with the goal of reaching €30,000 through donations of €10 for each nautical mile travelled. Gianni is one of the crew members for the ARC crossing.
Donations to support the association’s projects can be made via the dedicated page:
clownduepuntozero.it/progetto-alisei
Five Oceans
"Yachting Without Borders" is a unique initiative of the Life in Motion Foundation and the 5 Oceans Club. Life in Motion is a charity that supports children who have lost limbs by providing them with prosthetics, rehabilitation and help adapting to life without limbs.
The aim of the 5 Oceans Club is to show that sailing is not only sport and recreation, but also an example of scientific volunteerism, social integration and an important contribution to peaceful and friendly relations between people.
Onboard the Marsaudon ORC50 Five Oceans is Pasha Trofimova, an ambassador of the Life in Motion Foundation who lost both of his arms following a serious childhood injury caused by electrocution. His achievements are inspiring: marathons in New York and Moscow, he has a passion for mountain skiing and freeriding, as well as mountaineering! He is ready to prove, by his example, that any limitations and barriers exist only in the mind. He wants his ARC crossing to be a powerful inspiration to all who strive to reach new heights, despite the difficulties they may face.