Boats from around the world are gathering in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria for the ARC and ARC+ sailing rallies, set to accommodate over 1200 participants. This year marks the 40th edition of the ARC, an iconic sailing event first held in 1986, organised by the World Cruising Club.
The ARC+ departs on 9 November for an 850-nautical mile journey to Mindelo in the Cape Verde Islands, after which sailors will spend a period exploring the islands before embarking on the second leg towards Grenada on 21 November, covering 2150 nautical miles. Meanwhile, the ARC will set sail from Las Palmas on 23 November, heading 2700 nautical miles to Saint Lucia.
Boats of all shapes and sizes
This year, the ARC+ boasts 89 entries including a mix of monohulls, catamarans, and trimarans. The largest entry is Anastasia (JEY), a Fountaine Pajot Alegria 67 (20.36M), while the smallest is Restless of Stornoway (GBR), a Rustler 36 (10.77M). Of the 89 participating boats, there are 58 monohulls, 28 catamarans, and 3 trimarans, with the most common types being from the Fountaine Pajot, Lagoon, and Oyster brands.
The ARC has attracted a total of 150 entries, with the smallest boat being Heartbeat2 (DEU), a JPK 10.30 (10.34M) and the largest being Vantanera (MLT), a Wally (30.6M). In total, the ARC features 117 monohulls, 31 catamarans, and 2 trimarans, with popular brands including Oyster, Beneteau, and Swan.
A diverse fleet
This year’s rallies showcase remarkable diversity among participants. In the ARC+ fleet, over 400 sailors from 27 countries are participating. The United Kingdom leads with 21 boats, followed by Germany with 8 and the USA with 7. The youngest participant is just 1 year old, and a record 52 children are set to join the ARC+, marking a significant rise from last year’s 37.
In the ARC, 750 sailors are set to participate from 31 different countries, again led by the UK with 51 boats, followed by Germany and France. The age range of participants spans from 6 to 80 years. 11 children are registered to join in the sailing adventure.
The 40th edition of the ARC
In recognition of its landmark anniversary, the World Cruising Club is enhancing various aspects of the rally to create a memorable experience. Local involvement is encouraged during public events, including opening ceremonies and the anticipated return of the ARC dinghy race on 16 November, just after the opening ceremony.
New initiatives, including ARC Radio and ARC Live, will connect the global sailing community to Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, enhancing the anticipation as all sailors prepare for their Caribbean adventure.
In less than one month, participants will set sail for the Caribbean, marking a unique chapter in their sailing journeys.
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About World Cruising Club
- World Cruising Club was formed in 1987 by Jimmy Cornell after the success of the original 1986 Atlantic Rally for Cruisers. After two changes of ownership, the company is owned and run by Paul and Suzana Tetlow with a small dedicated team in Cowes (UK) supported on events by a wider network of the famous ‘yellow shirts’.
- ARC from Gran Canaria to Saint Lucia. First run in 1986, the rally attracts over 150 boats. The ARC is the only rally with an IRC racing division.
- ARC+ from Gran Canaria to Grenada via Cape Verde. First run in 2013, the fleet size is around 90 boats.
- ARC Europe from Sint Maarten or the US east coast to Bermuda, then the Azores, finishing in Portugal. First run in 2000, the fleet is around 30 boats.
- World ARC 26,000NM circumnavigation starting and finishing in the Caribbean. The first World ARC took place in 2008 following the success of the Europa rallies and now runs annually.
- ARC Portugal first sailed in 1995, the rally crosses the Bay of Biscay then day sails down the Portuguese coast to finish in Lagos.
- ARC Baltic will return in 2026 and offers 1000NM of stunning cruising through the Baltic Sea. The route starts in Kiel, Germany and finishes in Bullandö, Sweden.
