Sail from Caribbean or USA to Europe
ARC Europe is the west-to-east Atlantic rally, sailing from the Caribbean or North America to Europe. The two fleets rendezvous in St George's, Bermuda before crossing the Atlantic to the Azores.
After cruising the Azorean archipelago, boats sail to Marina de Lagos in southern Portugal, or sail independently to northern Europe.
In every port there will be social activities, plus tours ashore in the Azores.
ARC Europe 2021 - Rally Itinerary
| 02 May | Rally office opens at IGY Isle de Sol and Simpson Bay Marinas on St Maarten* | |
| 08 May | Depart St. Maarten to Bermuda | 845 NM |
| 19 May | Bermuda to Horta, Faial Azores | 1,800 NM |
| | Azores Cruise
Faial then Ponta Delgada | |
| 13 June | Ponta Delgada, Azores to Lagos, Portugal | 820 NM |
| 20 June | Final prize giving, Lagos, Portugal |
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2021 Update: With the BVI closed to visiting yachts and just a month to go to the start of ARC Europe, World Cruising Club has chosen IGY Isle de Sol and Simpson Bay Marinas on St Maarten as the alternative start for ARC Europe 2021. With an update on protocols for visiting yachts arriving into the BVI not due until 15 April a decision to move the start port allows participants to plan their last weeks in the Caribbean effectively, make preparations for arriving crew members, and relocate their yachts to St Maarten in good time to make final preparations. The start date remains Saturday 8 May, and the schedule for the remainder of the rally remains unchanged. The yachts will make an unsupported stopover in Bermuda, to refuel, re-provision and rest before their Atlantic leg to the Azores, where landfall will be made in Horta. World Cruising Club wishes to thank IGY Isle de Sol and Simpson Bay Marinas, and St Maarten Yacht Club, for their enthusiastic support of this very necessary last minute change to the rally itinerary.
ARC Europe 2022 - Provisional Rally Itinerary
| 02 May | Rally office opens at Nanny Cay Marina | |
| 07 May | Depart St. Maarten to Bermuda | 845 NM |
| 18 May | Bermuda to Horta, Faial Azores | 1,800 NM |
| | Azores Cruise
Faial, Terceira, Sao Miguel, Santa Maria | |
| 12 June | Santa Maria, Azores to Lagos, Portugal | 820 NM |
| 19 June | Final prize giving, Lagos, Portugal |
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"It has been a lot of fun to cruise the Azores in the company of other ARC Europe boats, reconnecting with old sailing friends, and making new ones" Michael Kantrowitz, yacht Splendido (USA)
DetailMiles1 MayRally office opens at Nanny Cay Marina 3 MayRally office opens at Ocean Yacht Marina, Portsmouth, VA6 MayNanny Cay, Tortola BVI to Bermuda845 NM6 MayPortsmouth VA to Bermuda540 NM17 MayBermuda to Horta, Faial Azores1,800 NM Azores Cruise
Faial, Terceira, Sao Miguel 10 JuneSao Miguel, Azores to Lagos, Portugal820 NM18 JuneFinal prize giving, Lagos, Portugal
Explore Ashore
At your start port there will be social activities to help you meet the other crews. In Nanny Cay we also usually run a safety demonstration, with a liferaft and flares.
The fun really starts in Bermuda, with arrivals parties and the first of the awards ceremonies. As well as recognising great sailing, boat speeds and good seamanship, the awards celebrate the diversity of the rally, the people and boats. Bermuda is home to Gosling's Rum, so there is a fair chance of a 'Dark 'n Stormy' or two!
Azores Cruise
The highlight for many participants is the Azores Cruise. Most boats speed across the Atlantic, rushing past these diverse, friendly and interesting islands. Each is quite different, so visiting four in the cruise is a great opportunity. Experience the world-renowned Peter Cafe Sport in Horta, street bull running on Terceira, wines on Pico, hydrangeas and thermal springs on Sao Miguel - each off their own unique experience. Our rally team ensures that you get the most out of your visit to the Azores.