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 plough 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.
Sail Racing Academy has successfully completed ARC each year since 2018, starting with a single boat in 2018 and 2019, then with two boats annually from 2020 through 2023. In 2024, three boats took part under the Sail Racing Academy banner. Highlights include a podium finish in 2020 and actually winning the Racing Division in 2022. 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 lifelong dream. ARC 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.
We offer a discounted rate to two members of the crew on each boat if you are under the age of 25 by the time the trip starts. Please enquire if you are interested in this offer.
Though Sail Racing Academy is all for everyone enjoying themselves, safety remains our top priority. We require anyone interested in this trip to have a phone conversation with one of our team members to discuss expectations. We also recommend crew members take a sea survival course.
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 on November 22nd 2026 with the starting gun.
We’ve been racing Escapado since 2018, over the years we’ve optimised her to be safer and more competitive, she has a great sail wardrobe and is competitive. She won ARC racing division in 2022.
Sao Jorge joined our fleet in 2021, she meets the highest British yachting safety standards and carries the highest level of safety equipment, she’s not as competitive as Escapado or Venturoso having a smaller sail wardrobe and shallower keel, however, she is an excellent boat to learn on being stable, spacious and more comfortable. She won the round Barbados race in 2022.
Venturoso joined our fleet this past October, diving straight into the 2024 Transatlantic ARC Race. Although both Venturoso and Escapado are designed for competitive sailing, she offers a slight edge over Escapado with enhanced performance capabilities.
The Transatlantic ARC 2026 has been confirmed for November 22nd, however, the exact schedule has yet to be released. We do not believe the dates below will be altered, but please occasionally check this page as we will be updating it as soon as the full official schedule is released.
We’re hoping to once again offer a two-day Sea Survival course as part of the preparation and training days. Each boat’s crew will spend two days completing the course, while the remaining days will be dedicated to preparing and readying their vessel. This prep work will continue throughout the week leading up to the start.
The course is not only a great opportunity for crew to learn and practise essential safety procedures together, but it also helps us meet the ARC’s minimum requirement for certified crew members. While completely optional, we do highly recommend taking part. Please note that this course comes at an additional cost. We’ll confirm the final details shortly.
In the lead-up to the start, you’ll spend your days preparing the boat, attending seminars, and getting to know both your yacht and your fellow crewmates. The schedule will be a mix of hands-on work, training sessions, and opportunities to build team dynamics.
There are usually plenty of chances to join in with the local social events organised by the ARC. These are a great way to make new friends and get a feel for the wider fleet. That said, do expect the first few days to involve some hard graft. All the boats on the dock will be busy with repairs, last-minute improvements, provisioning, and fine-tuning, and we are no exception. It’s a full-on week, but incredibly rewarding.
12:45hrs 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.
Before departure, we kindly ask everyone to help with a general cleaning and tidying of the boat.
My favourite part is the feeling of being at sea, the amazing crew and favourite skipper Germaine!
My favourite part is the unique learning experience! The ocean was a blast! Germaine has been a great skipper throughout the journey and surfing the waves under the big spinnaker.
My favourite part is the crew!
My favourite part is the sailing and passing the waves!
My favourite part is the teamwork and friendships formed
