 The ARC (Atlantic Rally for Cruisers) which starts on Sunday 20 November in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria celebrates its 20th anniversary this year.
This 2,700-mile passage to the Caribbean (Rodney Bay in St Lucia) regularly sees 200 plus boats on the startline and is one of the most popular ways to cross the Atlantic using the North-East Tradewind route. The cruise takes an average of between 12 and 24 days to complete with an official finish time of 1200 on 17 December.
Organised by the World Cruising Club, 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 run for those wanting more a 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. |
