*** Your booking is protected by our COVID Policy ***
Since November 1986, the Atlantic Rally for Cruisers has been a main fixture in the sailing diary for over 30 years. As the largest race of its kind, it’s a ‘must do’ for many; registering 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 at Las Palmas on Gran Canaria. Here, they meet their fellow crewmates and become familiar with the boat that will be their home for the next few weeks. They will spend their land-based days preparing themselves with training and safety drills. Then, the first gun will sound and the rally will begin. Sails are unfurled and the boats plow through the waves towards the classic trade wind routes. Elements are battled. Old and new skills are put to the test. All while the boats sail 2700NM across the planet’s second-largest ocean. By the time the boats cruise into the warm waters of St Lucia, life-long friends step off the boats and into the open arms of the welcoming committee. And some well-earned rest and celebration.
Having successfully completed in 2018, 2019, 2021 (with 2 boats) and gaining a podium finish in 2020, 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 fulfill a lifelong dream. rc can be the most wonderful of champagne sailing or a challenge to overcome as a team, embracing a whole lot of fun along the way.
Though Sail Racing Academy is all for everyone enjoying themselves, safety remains our top priority. For peace of mind, we have spared no expense in ensuring that our boats are equipped to the highest level.
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 15th November 2022 with the starting gun.
Arrival. You will then have 6 days of, boat preparation, seminars, training, and familiarisation of the boat and your fellow crewmates. There is usually plenty of opportunities to join in the local social activities put on by ARC to make new friends and get to know the competition during this time. Please bear in mind that all the boats on the dock will be taking part in the same activity of repairs, last-minute enhancements, provisioning, and tweaks and we are no different so please expect the first few days to be hard work.
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. This gives all of the boats an amble 27 days to cross the Atlantic.
A time of parties and celebrations.
