The ARC+ Route
The first stage of the rally sails from Las Palmas de Gran Canaria to Mindelo Marina, São Vicente, a distance of approximately 850nm taking between 5 and 7 days for a 12m (40’) cruising boat. Following the 3 to 5 day stopover, yachts can choose to sail to either Rodney Bay, Saint Lucia or Blue Lagoon, St. Vincent. The passage to the Caribbean is approximately 2150nm, and will take 12 to 16 days.
Crossing the Atlantic from the Canaries via Cape Verde enables boats make the most of the north east trade winds; their latitude at 16º50’N is right in the path of the trade winds, promising a great sail to the Caribbean and a warm welcome awaiting your arrival.
Key Dates for 2020
ARC+ 2020 Itinerary
| Date | Details for ARC+ Cape Verdes |
| 29 October | Rally office opens in Las Palmas |
| 01 Nov | Last date for arrivals in Las Palmas |
| 8 Nov | Start of Gran Canaria - Sao Vicente leg (865nm)
12:45 - Multihull start / 13:00 Monohull start |
| 13-15 Nov | Arrival in Mindelo, Sao Vicente (Marina Mindelo) |
| 19 Nov | Restart from Cape Verde |
| 1-6 Dec | Arrival in Saint Lucia (Rodney Bay Marina) or St. Vincent (Blue Lagoon Marina) |
| 8 Dec | ARC+ finish line closes |
| 9 Dec | Prize giving in Saint Lucia |
| 10 Dec | Prize giving in St. Vincent |
Arriving in Rodney Bay, Saint Lucia
There is so much to do on Saint Lucia that many yachts stay on the Island for Christmas, enjoying the warm Saint Lucian hospitality and beautiful island (and the rum punches...). Many ARC boats continue their Caribbean cruising in small groups, often meeting other ARC+ friends in Caribbean anchorages.
Every boat is welcomed to Rodney Bay Marina with rum punches, fresh fruit and chilled beer. No matter what time of day or night, the welcome party will be ready for you!
Arriving in Blue Lagoon
Nestled in Blue Lagoon Bay, Blue Lagoon Marina will host the fleet’s arrival in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. The idyllic bay is surrounded by palm trees and the small marina boasts a warm Vincentian welcome complete with rum punch... Well worth crossing an ocean for!
When arriving in St. Vincent, there is a lit marked channel to Blue Lagoon Bay suitable for yachts with a draft less than 2.30m (7’ 7”); a deeper channel exists for daytime entry with local pilotage.