ARC Rally 2024
Race from the Canaries to the Caribbean in the ARC Rally 2022. Sailing across the Atlantic is a pretty special experience, let alone racing across. Ocean racing is not for the faint hearted. It might be at times quite physically demanding, certainly exhilarating, and definitely fun.
What is the ARC Rally?
The ARC (Atlantic Rally for Cruisers) was first conceived in 1986. It started out as a safe way to cross the Atlantic in the company of other yachts. Since then it has grown, turned into more of a race, become more and more competitive and attracted bigger and faster yachts. Now over 200 yachts take part in it each year.
At this stage, whilst Covid is still about, we are taking a register of interest for the ARC Rally 2024. So if you are keen do get in touch. As soon as we have somre more clarity on it we will be in a better position to take bookings for it. There is the opportunity for 12 people to crew in this trans-ocean race - the largest of its kind.
The Details
You would need to aim to arrive in Las Palmas, Gran Canaria in the Canaries for 18th November for a couple of days of prep.
The race across the Atlantic to Rodney Bay in St Lucia will start on 21st November. If the North East Trade Winds behave you can expect it to take around 14 days.
The amazing atmosphere in Las Palmas builds as start day approaches. Yachts flying flags from all over the world converge on Las Palmas marina in the days running up to the start. There are seminars, talks, safety kit demonstrations plus lots of parties all organised by the race organisers.
It will get hotter and hotter the closer you get to the Caribbean and you will arrive in St Lucia perfectly acclimatised to a warm tropical Caribbean welcome. And parties! Lots of parties Caribbean style.
You will see the big deep blue ocean close up, a 360 degree horizon for about two weeks!, dolphins, maybe a whale or two, sunrises, sunsets, the odd other boat. You will meet some kindred spirits and likely forge friendships that will last long past the voyage. You will log about 2700nm and get some great ocean sailing experience.
The Yacht
Tried and tested the Yacht has raced around the world a number of times. Built for Ocean Racing the hull is made of steel, is extremely strong and capable of withstanding ferocious conditions if needed.
72ft long and weighing 48 tonnes she is equipped to a standard beyond that required by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) and the race organisers. She provides an extremely safe platform within which to take part in an event such as the ARC.
The yacht is very hands on. Most things require at least 2 people so team work will be key. Down below the yacht is comfortable and has a big airy saloon area, a well-equipped galley and two heads/showers. The sleeping area is made up of compartments with nice snug bunks.
Key Dates & Training Weekend
You will be one of up to 12 crew led by a professional skipper, his/her mate. and two watch leaders.
There will be a training weekend in the UK in November 2024. This will start and finish in Gunwharf Quays in Portsmouth. The weekend will be about learning the ropes and meeting the skipper, mate and your fellow crew mates and getting familiar with the yacht.
Key Dates
- Dates TBC - Training weekend - Start 1630 10th and Finish in Cowes 1600 on 12th.
- Date TBC - Arrive at yacht in Las Palmas, Gran Canaria Island in the Canaries
- Date TBC - ARC 2024 to St Lucia starts
- Dates TBC - Depart yacht in St Lucia
- Date TBC - Optional extra - help deliver/cruise yachtto Antigua
Pre-requisites
Previous racing experience is not essential. You will need to have done some sailing. You will need to be healthy and reasonably fit. You will need to be adaptable and amiable, dedicated and a committed team member. You will also need to be enthusiastic about sailing and racing a yacht.
You will be expected to get involved with all aspects of sailing the boat and help with all of the cooking and cleaning throughout the trip. You will also need to be prepared to spend at least 14 days at sea!
In return, you will come away from this challenge with hopefully a great result, a huge sense of achievement, some great ocean sailing experience and 2700 more miles in your log book, a tan and some really good friends.
Blogs from our previous ARC's can be found here ARC BLOGS and will give you a great idea of the voyage you can expect.
Island Hop from St Lucia to Antigua
Only available to people that have just done the ARC with us there is the option to stay on board and sail the yacht from St Lucia up to Antigua with possible stopovers at Martinique, Dominica and Guadeloupe.
You would depart the yacht in Antigua on Dates TBC December. This is a really fun and relaxing thing to do after the ARC!
Price
The price of the ARC is £TBC and includes the training weekend, fuel/gas, oilskins, berthing fees and all food on board whilst racing.
Flights to Gran Canaria and back from St Lucia/Antigua will need to be arranged separately and are not included in the price. We suggest you do not book a return flight until we have an idea of the ETA.
To pay £1000 deposit and secure your place aboard use the following code when checking out: ARC2024
Flights - There are plenty of flights offered by a number of airlines to Las Palmas from the UK. Coming back you are limited to just BA and Virgin who fly from St Lucia direct to Heathrow. You could use Skyscanner to see what other options are available.
Also if you call Travel Leads on 0113 242 2202 and ask to speak to Eric you may be able to get a substantially reduced (and we mean substantially reduced!) flight out from London.
So what is sailing the ARC actually like? Read stories from our previous ARC Rallies here
