Entries have now closed for this year's Atlantic Rally for Cruisers

Entries have now closed for this year's Atlantic Rally for Cruisers (ARC), the 24th edition of the annual transatlantic rally. The Rally organisers, World Cruising Club, have now opened a waiting list after accepting 225 entries for the 2010 rally.

There are 28 countries represented in this year's event that starts on 22nd November in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. 200 yachts from all over the world, will cross the Atlantic to Saint Lucia, one of the most beautiful in the Lesser Antilles. The 2,700 nautical mile passage on the NE tradewind route takes typically takes between 14 and 21 days and the fleet reaches its destination and the finish line in Rodney Bay.

Whilst fundamentally a fun rally for cruising yachts, the ARC does have a more serious Racing Division, run under the auspices of the Royal Ocean Racing Club (RORC). Yachts in the Racing Divisions are not permitted to use their engines for propulsion (unlike the cruisers), although use of autopilots is allowed.

Source Yachting Monthly 30th June 2009

The ARC

This annual transatlantic rally starting each November in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, has now become the most popular way for yachts to cross the Atlantic. This is the largest transocean sailing event in the world, and every year the ARC brings together over 150 yachts from all over the world. This is the 23rd annual event and this year’s entry stands at 225 craft. The Caribbean destination is Rodney Bay in St.Lucia, and the 2700 nautical mile trade wind passage takes on average between 12 and 24 days.

Yachts are now converging on the Canary Islands from all over Europe, before finally arriving in Las Palmas, before the start. Numerous seminars and safety checks are carried out by the ARC committee and the Cabildo provide concerts and entertainment for the contestants and spectators. The start is a fabulous spectacle with hundreds of spectator craft, warships and of course the contestants. We will be providing more information about this event in later newsletters.