ARC – Atlantic Rally for Cruisers

 The ARC departs from Las Palmas de Gran Canaria and crosses to Rodney Bay, St.Lucia on the following dates

ARC 2011 20th November

ARC 2012 25th November

This annual transatlantic rally of which this is the 24th, starts each November in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria marina, has now become the most popular way to cross the Atlantic. This is the largest ocean sailing event in the world, and every year the ARC brings together over 200 yachts from all over the world. The Caribbean destination is Rodney Bay marina in St. Lucia, in the Lesser Antilles. The 2700 nautical mile passage on the north east trade wind route takes on average between 12 and 24 days.
Conceived as a friendly race for cruising yachts to make the Atlantic crossing both safer and more enjoyable, participating yachts must carry a range of safety equipment including a life raft, EPIRB and VHF radio. All yachts are inspected before departure. Daily radio nets contribute further to the safety of all yachts. The presence of experienced sailors is another incentive for those with little offshore experience.
The ARC is open to cruising monohulls from 8.23m to 25.91m (27-85ft) LOA and cruising catamarans from 8.23 - 18.29m (27ft to 60ft) LOA, with a minimum crew of two. The World Cruising handicap is used to calculate results in the cruising classes, in which motoring is permitted. A racing class, rated under the IRC System, is organized and run for those wanting a more competitive crossing, under the auspices of the Royal Ocean Racing Club. Yachts in this class may be sponsored. Motor yachts can also participate in the ARC in a separate division.
The ARC has a special flavour, which successfully combines racers with cruisers, old with young, and provides entertainment for all. A wide ranging programme of entertainment takes place both before the start and after the finish. The ARC enjoys the support of the Tourist Authority of Gran Canaria, the Port Authority of Las Palmas, Rol Nautic and the St.Lucia Board of Tourism.  A full programme of social activities, safety seminars and demonstrations will be organised by World Cruising Club in Las Palmas prior to the start, and after the finish in St.Lucia.

The Start

Las Palmas,Gra Canaria, is the starting point for the ARC and is a modern bustling city, which has grown up around one of the busiest ports of Spain. The yacht marina lies at the southern end of the main harbour, between the Vegueta and the Parque Santa Catalina. The port has been upgraded in recent years, with more pontoons and new shower blocks being added, and in 1996 a floating breakwater to add to its protection. The ARC has played its role in this improvement and the port authority acknowledged this by building a permanent office for the ARC at the southern end of the marina.

The Crossing
The yachts leave from many countries to gather in the Canaries for the crossing, this year 23 countries are represented. The 2700 nautical mile passage across the Atlantic on the north east trade wind route takes on average between 12 and 24 days. The fastest crossing recorded was in last years rally in just under 12 days.

The Finish
St Lucia is known as Helen of the Caribbean being one of the Caribbean's most beautiful islands, with the rising volcanic peaks of the Grand and Petit Pitons, and landlocked Marigot Bay where a British naval fleet reputedly hid from the French at the time of the Napoleonic wars. The rule of St Lucia was disputed by the French and British until the latter established their claim in 1814. Independence was gained in 1979. St Lucia's culture is a unique mix of French, English and African influences, the French influence marked in the local patois and many of the place names.
Rodney Bay, on St Lucia's northern extremity, is the island's main yachting centre and landfall of all World Cruising's transatlantic events. Sailors are always warmly welcomed at Rodney Bay Marina which has a wide range of facilities and is located in a well-protected lagoon.