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ARC Europe - sailing since '88



It is only 3 weeks now until the start of ARC Europe on May 7th and the entry list has continued to grow.  There are currently 30 boats registered and we often have some last minute entries.  The majority of the boats will be starting from Nanny Cay, our host port in the BVI, where it will feel even busier as the start is combined with that of the ARC USA with 18 boats registered.  The other start is from Ocean Marine in Portsmouth, VA where some of the US based boats will be preparing for their trip to Europe.

A bit of history: Did you know that ARC Europe was first run 28 years ago, back in 1988?  It was organised by Jimmy Cornell and known as the 'TransARC'.  The inaugral event had a small write up in the January 1988 edition of Cruising World (below).  Back then the TransARC started in Antigua and Miami, sailed north to Bermuda and onto the Azores before finishing in Gibraltar.

  

It wasn't until the year 2000 the rally was re-named 'ARC Europe' to better reflect its association with the world famous ARC (Atlantic Rally for Cruisers).  ARC Europe continues to appeal to the cruising sailor that wishes to 'tick the box' of having crossed the Atlantic.  For many the west to east crossing is seen as more of a challenge than the traditional downwind route to the Caribbean.  Often the weather presents all points of sail, there is the doldrums to cross (or the gulf stream coming from the States), and the crossing is dependent on the position of the Azores High and the lows that track across the top of it on a conveyor belt from the US mainland across to Europe. 

There are two key factors that really make ARC Europe & ARC USA so special.  The first is the mix of experience, from those sailing on their first World Cruising Club rally to those that have sailed before (often many times) on rallies such as the ARC, ARC+ and ARC Caribbean 1500.  This year we also welcome those that have recently completed their own circumnavigation with World ARC, in fact there will be 11 World ARC boats among the fleet!  Particular welcome to Petra who sailed on her Hallberg Rassy 49 ‘Viva’ (GER) in the first World ARC back in 2008.  The second is the international mix of boats, which soon becomes clear when you walk along the busy pontoons at the start and see all the different country flags flying and also listen to the banter between the crews in the bars. This year is no exception with boats from 15 different countries, and often crew members from many more. 

There is a broad range of both monohulls and multihulls taking part (entry list) with the smallest boat being David Nichol’s Pearson Vanguard 32 ‘Blue Mist’ (USA) and the largest boat is Bruno Derungs' Oyster 575 ‘White Chocolate’ (MLT).  Check back for many more stories and photos once the rally office opens in just a couple of weeks on May 2nd and updates and blogs from the boats once they are at sea.

 




Bit of history:
It was 28 years ago that the concept of ARC Europe first came to fruition when the inaugural event, then named 'TransARC', set off in 1988. In 2000 the rally was re-named 'ARC Europe' to better reflect its association with the world-famous ARC (Atlantic Rally for Cruisers). 

 

Bit of history:

It was 28 years ago that the concept of ARC Europe first came to fruition when the inaugural event, then named 'TransARC', set off in 1988. In 2000 the rally was re-named 'ARC Europe' to better reflect its association with the world-famous ARC (Atlantic Rally for Cruisers). 





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