ARC January Frequently Asked Questions
What is the minimum size of boat and crew? Boats must be a minimum of 8.23m (27’) length overall (LOA) and sail with at least two people on board.
How long will the rally take? For ARC January, the typical passage time for a 12m (40’) cruising boat is 18 to 21 days, depending upon the weather conditions and your style of sailing. Local information will be provided for yachts wishing to visit Mindelo, Cape Verde as part of their Atlantic crossing.
When does the rally start? ARC January 2022 starts on 15 January 2023. For more information See the Dates and Routes page for full details
Can I use my engine? Boats in the Cruising and Open Divisions may use their engines for propulsion, but Cruising Division boats must declare their engine hours for their results to be calculated.
What about support on the rally? There will be a team of friendly 'yellow shirts' in Las Palmas and Saint Lucia. They will help with registration, local contacts, docking, excursions, social activities and emergencies. You can also contact the World Cruising Club office at any time [email protected] or call +44 (0)1983 296060
What safety equipment do I need? We have a list of mandatory and recommended safety equipment that we will inspect on board the boat before the rally starts.
- Approved ocean liferaft with more than 24 hour equipment pack
- 406MHz EPIRB
- Lifejackets, with crotch straps and spray hoods 3-point tether, and a personal AIS beacon for all crew
- Full flare pack, including white hand flares
- Means of sending and receiving emails at sea
See the
Support & Safety page for more information
What training should I do? We do recommend that the skipper and at least one of the crew have done some safety and communications equipment, heavy weather sailing and emergency management training within the last five years.
You can learn more about the rally and tips for preparing your boat and crew by attending one of our 2 hour boat show forums, or 2 day residential seminars. We also have a number of handy videos on our YouTube channel. We are holding online seminars and Q&A sessions throughout 2022, see the Training Page for upcoming sessions
Do I need an SSB radio? Not for the ARC, but you must be able to send and receive email at sea with either an SSB and a pactor modem, or a satellite phone. Click here for communications equipment advice
Can I take my children? Families with children of all ages have sailed with the ARC, and are very welcome. We have special children’s activities in Las Palmas for children during the week before the start.
How do I find crew? Personal recommendations are the best way of finding crew, but you can also register on Ocean Crew Link www.OceanCrewLink.com to look for crew or respond to adverts.
What about visas? We will provide information about visas in the Rally Handbook, and the country information pages on www.noonsite.com are also helpful. If you are unsure, contact us to discuss your needs.
Can I take my pets? We have no restrictions on the animals you carry on your boat, but you must comply with the laws and regulations for your home country and any countries visited by the rally or during your cruising. We will provide advice in the Rally Handbook, or look up the country information on www.noonsite.com
How can I get back to Europe? You can join ARC Europe, which leaves the Caribbean or east coast USA every May, and cruises to Bermuda and the Azores before reaching Portugal. You could ship your boat back on a yacht transporter, or you could arrange a delivery crew.
What about cruising after the ARC? If you want to join a rally, the ARC USA leaves alongide ARC Europe from the Caribbean and sails for Virginia via Bermuda every May. A great way to start exploring the Chesapeake and east coast USA.
World ARC leaves Saint Lucia in January every year for a circumnavigation via Panama, the Pacific Islands, Australia, Lombok, Mauritius, South Africa and Brazil. The ‘true adventure of a lifetime’ with the WCC team on hand at every stopover.
What about getting down to Las Palmas? Join ARC Portugal and cruise south to Marina de Lagos. Also ARC boats get discounts in several marinas en route to Las Palmas.