Since 1986, the Atlantic Rally for Cruisers has been a staple in the sailing calendar, and its sister rally, ARC Europe, has become the premier west-to-east Atlantic crossing event. For sailors looking to take on this unique challenge, ARC Europe offers an exciting route from the Caribbean or North America to Europe, with a focus on camaraderie, exploration, and adventure.
Sail Racing Academy plans to start preparations in Antigua, where crew members will gather to familiarise themselves with the boat and their fellow sailors. From there, we will sail to St Maarten, the official starting point of our ARC Europe journey. After departing, the fleet will sail to St George’s, Bermuda, to rendezvous with yachts joining from other starting points. This first leg is a chance to adapt to life at sea and build bonds as a team.
From Bermuda, the rally embarks on the transatlantic crossing to the Azores, navigating approximately 1,800NM of open ocean. The fleet will arrive at the stunning Azores archipelago, a mid-Atlantic haven renowned for its lush landscapes, volcanic peaks, and welcoming atmosphere. Here, participants can enjoy planned tours ashore, explore the islands’ unique culture, and take part in social activities alongside fellow sailors from across the globe.
While the official rally concludes in Marina de Lagos, Portugal, Sail Racing Academy’s route diverges here. After exploring the Azores, our boats will continue northward to the United Kingdom, completing the journey in British waters rather than southern Europe. This additional leg provides an opportunity for crew members to experience more of what ocean sailing has to offer and gain valuable skills for future offshore adventures.
ARC Europe is open to all skill levels, from seasoned ocean veterans to those taking on their first major crossing. At Sail Racing Academy, we ensure that everyone is well-prepared with training, safety drills, and expert guidance.
While fun and adventure are integral to our ethos, safety is always our primary concern. To that end, all interested participants must have a phone consultation with a member of our team to discuss expectations and suitability for the trip. Additionally, we recommend all crew members undertake a sea survival course to enhance their confidence and safety at sea.
ARC Europe is more than a sailing rally; it’s an unforgettable experience that combines the thrill of ocean sailing with the joy of exploration and the formation of lifelong friendships. Join Sail Racing Academy for this incredible journey and become part of a global community of sailors united by a shared passion for the sea.
The crew will meet the boat in Antigua and will disembark in Hamble, UK. The closest airport is VC Bird International Airport. Transportation from the airport is available via taxis or local busses.
All travel to and from the airports is not covered by the race price.
The exact date departing Antigua will depend on maintenance required at the time. We will depart St Maarten on May 10th with the start of the rally. We will depart Bermuda on May 21st. Our exact departure from the Azores will depend on our arrival date.
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.
We will begin out boat preparations and training in Antigua before sailing over to St Maarten for the start of the first leg. Our exact departure date from Antigua will depend on how much maintenance is required at that time. Please bear in mind that all boats 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, especially after a long Caribbean season.
Depart St Maarten to Bermuda. Approx 870nm.
Bermuda to Horta, Faial Azores. Approx 1,800nm.
Sao Miguel, Azores to Hamble, UK. Approx 1,300nm.
Please note that we may depart the Azores prior to this date, if we arrive earlier than expected.
Expected Arrival in Hamble, UK. Although we won’t be able to attend the office prize giving celebrations, this is still a time for celebrations.
