The port of Las Palmas buzzed with excitement as over 800 sailors departed Gran Canaria for the 40th edition of the ARC Rally. This annual transatlantic sailing event draws participants from around the globe to navigate the 2700 nautical miles across the Atlantic Ocean to Saint Lucia.
This year, 145 boats set off, with crew members representing over 40 nations, showcasing a vibrant international community. Onlookers filled the breakwater, cheering and celebrating the departure, as local band Banda Guiniguada played music and the crowd waved flags to bid farewell to the yachts.
Rodney Targa, aboard the yacht Cut and Run, expressed enthusiasm about the event, praising the informative seminars and the camaraderie amongst crews as they prepared for the voyage. With three weeks of preparation behind them, he highlighted the excitement of finally setting off towards Saint Lucia, a location many crew members have yet to explore.
The conditions on the start day featured light north-easterly breezes of 5-8 knots, giving the yachts a gentle start before entering the open ocean. These early light winds were anticipated, with expectations that they would increase in strength in the following days as the fleet moved away from the islands. The Spanish navy vessel Tornado acted as the committee vessel, ensuring a timely start for all three divisions of the rally.
Multihull Division
The multihull division was first to depart at 12:30, with boats inching toward the windward end of the starting line right up to the gun. The first to cross was Sniky, a Nautitech 48, which quickly found clear air, trailed closely by Mathilda and Cut and Run.
Racing Division
The racing division followed shortly after at 12:45. A smaller group of 10 boats gathered at a separate start line, with La Loévie, a Swan 76 skippered by JP Dick, claiming the lead, shortly followed by NEXTGEN by JAJO, a Volvo 65.
Cruising Division
The cruising division, the largest with 103 boats, set off at 13:00. Intense competition occurred as crews vied for advantageous positions at the starting line. The first across the line was Azahar, a Swan 56, with Kompromiss, Snow Goose, and Adrenalina close behind.
To mark the event’s 40th anniversary, organisers implemented a daily live YouTube stream during the rally, allowing spectators worldwide to witness the festivities firsthand. The event has been a long-awaited journey for many participants, with most expecting to reach Saint Lucia in 18-21 days, where they will be welcomed with Caribbean hospitality.
As sailors embark on this venture, the memories they create during the ARC will undoubtedly be treasured for a lifetime.
For more information on the ARC 2025, visit the Rally website.
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