+447941414703
Info@sailracingacademy.org
***Your booking is protected by our COVID Policy
Sailing since November 1986, the Atlantic Rally for Cruisers, has been a main fixture in the sailing diary for over 30 years and as the largest race of it’s kind, is a ‘must do’ for many sailors. It registers on the bucket list of experienced sea dogs and unseasoned landlubbers alike.
Better known as ARC, the rally attracts over 200 boats and 1200 people every year, from all over the world. Strangers gather together in Las Palmas, to meet their fellow crewmates and become familiar with the boat that will be their home on the ocean for the next few weeks. They will spend their land-based days preparing themselves, mentally and physically, with training and safety drills before the first gun sounds and the rally begins. Sails are unfurled and the boats plow through the waves towards the classic trade wind routes. Elements are battled and old and new skills are put into practise as the boats sail 2700NM across the planet’s second-largest ocean. By the time the boats cruise into the warm waters of St Lucia, elated life-long friends, step off the boats into the open arms of the welcoming committee and some well-earned rest and celebration.
Having successfully completed ARC in 2018 and 2019, Sail Racing Academy will again join ARC in the Racing Division. This means no mechanical propulsion; it’s the wind in the sails the whole way! We recognise that for many of our crew on board this is an opportunity to fulfil a life long dream so for us, ARC is a race where we strive to be first across the finish line whilst embracing a whole lot of fun along the way and making the adventure as enjoyable as possible.
Though Sail Racing Academy is all for everyone enjoying themselves, safety remains our top priority and we have spared no expense in ensuring that our boat is equipped to the highest level.
*Covid*
Due to the ongoing pandemic this year, please bear in mind that there are new controls being considered with the intention of keeping the race and its crews safe. Before the race starts, each crew member will be tested for symptoms of the virus, and all crews are expected to form an isolation bubble with their crew mates a minimum of 7 days (though preferably up to 14 days) before the race begins.
Once at St Lucia, everyone onboard must show a valid negative Covid test result from their test on Gran Canaria. St Lucia also demands a 14 day quarantine upon arrival; however the days at sea will count towards those 14 days so the length of the sail determines how long you will have to quarantine once ashore.
These controls are all subject to change at anytime but are necessary in order for ARC 2020 to proceed.
Please see our Covid Policy page for more info
Unless having arrived with the boat, the crew will meet the boat in Las Palmas, Gran Canaria and will disembark in St Lucia, Caribbean. The nearest airport to Las Palmas is the Gran Canaria Airport which is about a half hour drive to Las Palmas. The Hewanorra International Airport on the island of St Lucia is about 1.5hrs from Rodney Bay, the final destination of the race.
All travel to and from the airports is not covered by the race price.
We will depart Las Palmas at 12:00hrs on 21st November 2021 with the starting gun.
Arrival, you will then have 6 days of training, Key Boat Preparation and familiarisation of the boat and fellow team mates
due to the Covid pandemic there may be some isolation on board required. More details closer to the time when information is released.
12;15hrs start gun. The ARC begins.
This is a great opportunity to gain considerable miles towards qualifying for the RYA Yachtmaster Qualification.
At 12:00hrs, the finishing line to the race closes.
A time of parties and celebrations.
