{"id":7280,"date":"2025-10-10T12:29:46","date_gmt":"2025-10-10T12:29:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.firstclasssailing.com\/blog\/?p=7280"},"modified":"2025-10-10T14:39:00","modified_gmt":"2025-10-10T14:39:00","slug":"atlantic-rally-for-cruisers-2026","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.firstclasssailing.com\/blog\/atlantic-rally-for-cruisers-2026\/","title":{"rendered":"Sail Across the Atlantic: Join the 2026 Atlantic Rally for Cruisers (ARC)"},"content":{"rendered":"<h2 data-start=\"885\" data-end=\"959\"><strong data-start=\"888\" data-end=\"957\">The Atlantic Rally for Cruisers: An Ocean Adventure Like No Other<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"961\" data-end=\"1156\">The <em data-start=\"965\" data-end=\"1000\">Atlantic Rally for Cruisers (ARC)<\/em> 2026 is one of the most iconic events in global sailing \u2014 a spectacular transatlantic rally that attracts over 200 yachts and sailors from all over the world.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"1158\" data-end=\"1407\">In <strong data-start=\"1161\" data-end=\"1169\">2026<\/strong>, <strong data-start=\"1171\" data-end=\"1194\">First Class Sailing<\/strong> is thrilled to return to the ARC as part of its <em data-start=\"1243\" data-end=\"1265\">Adventures Programme<\/em>. The rally runs from <strong data-start=\"1287\" data-end=\"1315\">Gran Canaria to St Lucia<\/strong>, offering sailors the chance to <strong data-start=\"1348\" data-end=\"1404\">cross the Atlantic in a fun, safe, and organised way<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"1409\" data-end=\"1750\">While it\u2019s technically a race, the ARC is all about camaraderie and shared adventure. Crews bond over night watches, trade-wind sailing, and the incredible experience of completing an ocean crossing together. And once you arrive in the Caribbean? There\u2019s the option to extend your voyage and explore even more tropical paradise under sail.<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_3183\" style=\"width: 910px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-3183\" class=\"size-full wp-image-3183\" src=\"https:\/\/www.firstclasssailing.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/11\/ARCRally-2018-Day-4-pulling-out-01-blog.jpg\" alt=\"Yachts departing Gran Canaria for the Atlantic Rally for Cruisers 2026 under full sail\" width=\"900\" height=\"500\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.firstclasssailing.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/11\/ARCRally-2018-Day-4-pulling-out-01-blog.jpg 900w, https:\/\/www.firstclasssailing.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/11\/ARCRally-2018-Day-4-pulling-out-01-blog-300x167.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.firstclasssailing.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/11\/ARCRally-2018-Day-4-pulling-out-01-blog-768x427.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-3183\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Yachts departing Gran Canaria for the Atlantic Rally for Cruisers<\/p><\/div>\n<hr data-start=\"1872\" data-end=\"1875\" \/>\n<h2 data-start=\"1877\" data-end=\"1902\"><strong data-start=\"1880\" data-end=\"1900\">What Is the ARC?<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"1904\" data-end=\"2226\">The <strong data-start=\"1908\" data-end=\"1945\">Atlantic Rally for Cruisers (ARC)<\/strong> is a <strong data-start=\"1951\" data-end=\"1982\">transatlantic sailing rally<\/strong> organised by the <a class=\"decorated-link\" href=\"https:\/\/worldcruising.com\/events\/arc\" target=\"_new\" rel=\"noopener\" data-start=\"2000\" data-end=\"2059\">World Cruising Club<\/a>. It covers roughly <strong data-start=\"2079\" data-end=\"2103\">2,700 nautical miles<\/strong> from <strong data-start=\"2109\" data-end=\"2137\">Las Palmas, Gran Canaria<\/strong> to <strong data-start=\"2141\" data-end=\"2165\">Rodney Bay, St Lucia<\/strong>, timed perfectly to take advantage of the <strong data-start=\"2208\" data-end=\"2223\">trade winds<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"2228\" data-end=\"2402\">This event has become a true <em data-start=\"2257\" data-end=\"2270\">bucket list<\/em> experience for sailors \u2014 offering a mix of challenge, adventure, and unforgettable ocean sailing in the best possible conditions.<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_4924\" style=\"width: 710px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-4924\" class=\"size-full wp-image-4924\" src=\"https:\/\/www.firstclasssailing.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/ARC18a.jpg\" alt=\"Crew enjoying downwind trade-wind sailing across the Atlantic Ocean\" width=\"700\" height=\"525\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.firstclasssailing.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/ARC18a.jpg 700w, https:\/\/www.firstclasssailing.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/ARC18a-300x225.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 700px) 100vw, 700px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-4924\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Crew enjoying downwind trade-wind sailing across the Atlantic Ocean<\/p><\/div>\n<hr data-start=\"2518\" data-end=\"2521\" \/>\n<h2 data-start=\"2523\" data-end=\"2594\"><strong data-start=\"2526\" data-end=\"2592\">The Yacht: Challenger 72 \u2013 Proven, Powerful, and Purpose-Built<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"2596\" data-end=\"2799\">For the ARC 2026, First Class Sailing continues its proud tradition of using the <strong data-start=\"2677\" data-end=\"2700\">Challenger 72 yacht<\/strong>, a 22-metre ocean-going vessel built from steel and designed for endurance, safety, and comfort.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"2801\" data-end=\"3011\">With a <strong data-start=\"2808\" data-end=\"2824\">95-foot mast<\/strong>, a <strong data-start=\"2828\" data-end=\"2858\">spacious saloon and galley<\/strong>, and a track record of successful ocean passages, the Challenger 72 is a trusted platform for anyone looking to experience the Atlantic in confidence.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"3013\" data-end=\"3177\">Depending on wind strength, crews can expect to complete the crossing in <strong data-start=\"3086\" data-end=\"3103\">14 to 21 days<\/strong> \u2014 plenty of time to learn, grow, and experience true bluewater sailing.<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_2459\" style=\"width: 910px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-2459\" class=\"size-full wp-image-2459\" src=\"https:\/\/www.firstclasssailing.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/11\/ARC-crew-blog-kite-900.jpg\" alt=\"Challenger 72 yacht sailing downwind with spinnaker set during the ARC 2026\" width=\"900\" height=\"500\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.firstclasssailing.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/11\/ARC-crew-blog-kite-900.jpg 900w, https:\/\/www.firstclasssailing.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/11\/ARC-crew-blog-kite-900-300x167.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.firstclasssailing.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/11\/ARC-crew-blog-kite-900-768x427.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-2459\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Challenger 72 yacht sailing downwind with spinnaker set during the ARC<\/p><\/div>\n<hr data-start=\"3288\" data-end=\"3291\" \/>\n<h2 data-start=\"3293\" data-end=\"3324\"><strong data-start=\"3296\" data-end=\"3322\">Key Dates for ARC 2026<\/strong><\/h2>\n<ul data-start=\"3326\" data-end=\"3452\">\n<li data-start=\"3326\" data-end=\"3378\">\n<p data-start=\"3328\" data-end=\"3378\"><strong data-start=\"3328\" data-end=\"3343\">Main Event:<\/strong> <em data-start=\"3344\" data-end=\"3376\">19 November \u2013 13 December 2026<\/em><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"3379\" data-end=\"3452\">\n<p data-start=\"3381\" data-end=\"3452\"><strong data-start=\"3381\" data-end=\"3425\">Pre-Departure Training Weekend (Solent):<\/strong> <em data-start=\"3426\" data-end=\"3450\">September\/October 2026<\/em><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p data-start=\"3454\" data-end=\"3609\">The Solent weekend offers a fantastic opportunity to meet your crew, familiarise yourself with the yacht, and prepare for the Atlantic crossing together.<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_2571\" style=\"width: 910px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-2571\" class=\"size-full wp-image-2571\" src=\"https:\/\/www.firstclasssailing.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/11\/ARC-2106-crew-with-sail.jpg\" alt=\"Crew during pre-departure training weekend in the Solent preparing for ARC 2026\" width=\"900\" height=\"500\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.firstclasssailing.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/11\/ARC-2106-crew-with-sail.jpg 900w, https:\/\/www.firstclasssailing.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/11\/ARC-2106-crew-with-sail-300x167.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.firstclasssailing.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/11\/ARC-2106-crew-with-sail-768x427.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-2571\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Crew during pre-departure training weekend in the Solent preparing for ARC 2026<\/p><\/div>\n<hr data-start=\"3724\" data-end=\"3727\" \/>\n<h2 data-start=\"3729\" data-end=\"3786\"><strong data-start=\"3732\" data-end=\"3784\">How to Join the 2026 Atlantic Rally for Cruisers<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"3788\" data-end=\"4033\">If crossing the Atlantic has long been on your <strong data-start=\"3835\" data-end=\"3850\">bucket list<\/strong>, 2026 could be <em data-start=\"3866\" data-end=\"3872\">your<\/em> year.<br data-start=\"3878\" data-end=\"3881\" \/>Find full details and booking information here:<br data-start=\"3928\" data-end=\"3931\" \/>\ud83d\udc49 <a class=\"decorated-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.firstclasssailing.com\/racing\/arc-rally\" target=\"_new\" rel=\"noopener\" data-start=\"3934\" data-end=\"4031\">Join the ARC Rally with First Class Sailing<\/a><\/p>\n<p data-start=\"4035\" data-end=\"4118\">Our team will be happy to answer your questions and help you plan your adventure.<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_5040\" style=\"width: 910px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-5040\" class=\"wp-image-5040\" src=\"https:\/\/www.firstclasssailing.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/ARC-Finish.jpg\" alt=\"Crew celebrating arrival in St Lucia at the finish of the Atlantic Rally for Cruisers\" width=\"900\" height=\"437\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.firstclasssailing.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/ARC-Finish.jpg 1600w, https:\/\/www.firstclasssailing.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/ARC-Finish-300x146.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.firstclasssailing.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/ARC-Finish-768x373.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.firstclasssailing.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/ARC-Finish-1024x497.jpg 1024w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-5040\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Crew celebrating arrival in St Lucia at the finish of the Atlantic Rally for Cruisers<\/p><\/div>\n<hr data-start=\"4978\" data-end=\"4981\" \/>\n<h2 data-start=\"4983\" data-end=\"5023\"><strong data-start=\"4986\" data-end=\"5021\">Why Choose First Class Sailing?<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"5025\" data-end=\"5330\">With decades of experience in offshore training and adventure sailing, <strong data-start=\"5096\" data-end=\"5119\">First Class Sailing<\/strong> combines professionalism, safety, and a spirit of exploration. Whether you\u2019re building miles, gaining offshore experience, or chasing a lifelong dream, our team provides expert guidance every step of the way.<\/p>\n<hr data-start=\"5332\" data-end=\"5335\" \/>\n<h2 data-start=\"5337\" data-end=\"5394\"><strong data-start=\"5340\" data-end=\"5392\">FAQs About the Atlantic Rally for Cruisers (ARC)<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"5396\" data-end=\"5542\"><strong data-start=\"5396\" data-end=\"5461\">How long does it take to sail across the Atlantic on the ARC?<\/strong><br data-start=\"5461\" data-end=\"5464\" \/>Depending on the weather and winds, the crossing typically takes 14\u201321 days.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"5544\" data-end=\"5697\"><strong data-start=\"5544\" data-end=\"5589\">Do I need prior ocean sailing experience?<\/strong><br data-start=\"5589\" data-end=\"5592\" \/>Not necessarily \u2014 our crew training and Solent weekend will prepare you for every stage of the journey.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"5699\" data-end=\"5834\"><strong data-start=\"5699\" data-end=\"5739\">Where does the ARC start and finish?<\/strong><br data-start=\"5739\" data-end=\"5742\" \/>The rally starts in <strong data-start=\"5762\" data-end=\"5790\">Las Palmas, Gran Canaria<\/strong> and finishes in <strong data-start=\"5807\" data-end=\"5831\">Rodney Bay, St Lucia<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"5836\" data-end=\"5993\"><strong data-start=\"5836\" data-end=\"5867\">What type of yacht is used?<\/strong><br data-start=\"5867\" data-end=\"5870\" \/>You\u2019ll sail aboard a <strong data-start=\"5891\" data-end=\"5908\">Challenger 72<\/strong>, a steel ocean-going yacht built for long-distance, safe, and comfortable sailing.<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_1761\" style=\"width: 909px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-1761\" class=\"size-full wp-image-1761\" src=\"https:\/\/www.firstclasssailing.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/07\/sailing-the-arc-sunset-899.jpg\" alt=\"Sailors enjoying sunset at sea during the Atlantic crossing on a Challenger 72 yacht\" width=\"899\" height=\"556\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.firstclasssailing.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/07\/sailing-the-arc-sunset-899.jpg 899w, https:\/\/www.firstclasssailing.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/07\/sailing-the-arc-sunset-899-300x186.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 899px) 100vw, 899px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-1761\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Sailors enjoying sunset at sea during the Atlantic crossing on a Challenger 72 yacht<\/p><\/div>\n<h2 data-start=\"6118\" data-end=\"6167\"><strong data-start=\"6121\" data-end=\"6165\">Your Next Great Sailing Adventure Awaits<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"6169\" data-end=\"6332\">Whether you\u2019re dreaming of crossing an ocean or exploring Norway\u2019s fjords, <strong data-start=\"6244\" data-end=\"6295\">First Class Sailing\u2019s 2026 Adventures Programme<\/strong> offers something for every sailor.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"6334\" data-end=\"6530\">\ud83c\udf0a <strong data-start=\"6337\" data-end=\"6370\">Ready to make 2026 your year?<\/strong><br data-start=\"6370\" data-end=\"6373\" \/>Find out more and reserve your berth today at<br data-start=\"6418\" data-end=\"6421\" \/>\ud83d\udc49 <a class=\"decorated-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.firstclasssailing.com\/racing\/arc-rally\" target=\"_new\" rel=\"noopener\" data-start=\"6424\" data-end=\"6528\">https:\/\/www.firstclasssailing.com\/racing\/arc-rally<\/a><\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_3180\" style=\"width: 910px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-3180\" class=\"size-full wp-image-3180\" src=\"https:\/\/www.firstclasssailing.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/11\/ARCRally-2018-Day-4-pulling-out-mast-02-blog.jpg\" alt=\"Aerial view of Challenger 72 in the Atlantic Ocean during the 2026 ARC Rally\" width=\"900\" height=\"500\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.firstclasssailing.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/11\/ARCRally-2018-Day-4-pulling-out-mast-02-blog.jpg 900w, https:\/\/www.firstclasssailing.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/11\/ARCRally-2018-Day-4-pulling-out-mast-02-blog-300x167.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.firstclasssailing.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/11\/ARCRally-2018-Day-4-pulling-out-mast-02-blog-768x427.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-3180\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Aerial view of Challenger 72 in the Atlantic Ocean during the 2026 ARC Rally<\/p><\/div>\n<p data-start=\"6532\" data-end=\"6620\">\ud83d\udcf7 <strong data-start=\"6535\" data-end=\"6559\">Alt text suggestion:<\/strong> <em data-start=\"6560\" data-end=\"6618\">Sunset over the Atlantic Ocean during the 2026 ARC Rally<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Join First Class Sailing in the Atlantic Rally for Cruisers 2026 \u2014 a world-famous transatlantic adventure from Gran Canaria to St Lucia. Sail aboard a Challenger 72 yacht and make 2026 the year you cross the Atlantic.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":3183,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[162,350],"tags":[614,613,615,192],"class_list":["post-7280","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-arc","category-atlantic-adventures","tag-arc-2026","tag-atlantic-rally-for-cruisers","tag-sail-across-the-atlantic","tag-the-arc"],"views":2096,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.firstclasssailing.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7280","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.firstclasssailing.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.firstclasssailing.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.firstclasssailing.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.firstclasssailing.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=7280"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/www.firstclasssailing.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7280\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":7283,"href":"https:\/\/www.firstclasssailing.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7280\/revisions\/7283"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.firstclasssailing.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/3183"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.firstclasssailing.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=7280"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.firstclasssailing.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=7280"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.firstclasssailing.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=7280"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}