After 15-months of navigating the world’s oceans World ARC 2024-25 crossed the finish line in Rodney Bay at 1300hrs, Saturday 19 April 2025. With flags and bunting flying proudly the end of their global circumnavigation was marked by cheers, music and celebration worthy of this momentous occasion.
Beginning the day from Marigot Bay Yacht Haven, the fleet lined up to form a procession which took them up the west coast of Saint Lucia dipping into Castries Harbour and on up to Rodney Bay, their final stop. The fleet were supported and welcomed by many locals and previous participating ARC rally boats. It was a magnificent sight and very emotional.
After tying up in IGY Rodney Bay Marina, the docks filled with stories of their journey, friendships forged, and once-in-a-life-time memories shared. Thanks to Marina Manager, Sean Devaux, and his team for a fitting welcome back and rum punch reception. Sean kindly said a few words of congratulations to include, “it’s tremendous to be able to welcome you back to Rodney Bay Marina it is with heartfelt warmth that we congratulate you on what you have achieved”.
The celebrations did not end there. It was time for crews to put on smart clothing and make their way to the Bay Gardens Hotel for the end of Rally Dinner and Prizegiving Party. Marking the end of an unforgettable journey around the world, the night was filled with laughter, shared memories, a sense of accomplishment…and a few tears of joy. Crews enjoyed drinks on the terrace followed by dinner, speeches and presentations recognising the efforts and milestone of each participating boat.
It was an honour to have the Honourable Dr. Ernest Hilaire - Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism, Investment, Creative Industries, Culture & Information who has been, and continues to be, a big supporter of all the ARC rallies. He gave a wonderful speech to include these words “we hope you feel that St Lucia feels like coming home…to World Cruising Club thank you so very much for the excellent work you continue to do. Every time I am invited to address the rally participants; I really enjoy your stories”. Addressing the World ARC crews, he added “you have done an amazing job, and I am so proud that you have made it back to St Lucia”.
Also in attendance from The Saint Lucia Tourism Authority was Geraine Georges, Marketing Director and Dexter Percil, Marketing Manager. We thank them for their continued support in making every event in Saint Lucia so special and memorable to everyone.
The room was beautifully decorated by the Events Company of Saint Lucia, and we thank CEO, Mrs Lorraine Sidonie and her wonderful creative team who put the evening together.
The evening was hosted by Event Manager Andrew Pickersgill, who has been managing the fleet over the last 8-months. During the speeches he recognised all the fleet’s achievements and said, “it is our privilege to be here this evening to complete the circle with you and celebrate all your success”.
To complete the proceedings, Managing Director of World Cruising Club, Paul Tetlow, thanked the Minister, other dignitaries and special thanks to Sean Devaux for their continued support. He went on to thank all the yellow shirt teams who have been involved from the start along with the planning and office support from the team in Cowes. Finally, he congratulated and thanked the fleet saying, “this is your night of celebration, thank you for putting your trust in us to be part of your circumnavigation and lifetime adventure”.
The World ARC 2024-25 fleet began their journey on 13 January crossing the start line in Rodney Bay and on to their first stop, Santa Marta in Columbia. Since then, the rally has visited 18 countries, sailed 26,000 nautical Miles, had the opportunity to drink 24 different local beers and paid for them with 17 different currencies. 8 vessels have completed the rally in one continuous journey with the remaining 30 vessels in this year’s rally stepping off in the Pacific or joining in Australia or Indonesia having taken some time to explore this area of the world.
Overall, the rally has welcomed 38 boats with 330 members of crew onboard from 25 nations. It is hard to put into words the adventure and lifechanging experience for many over the last 15-months but Gen on Sea Monster helped sum up some feelings at the Prize Giving awards, “the best part of this rally has been the friendships with each and every one of you….the onshore activates organised by World Cruising Club brought us all together in a way that I could not have dream of”. A further comment from Martin on Escapade of London highlighted the support by saying “although we have sailed double handed, we were never alone”.
The day and evening were a fitting way to close an extraordinary chapter, surrounded by friends made across the oceans.
Congratulations World ARC 2024-25.