World ARC 2026-27 is officially underway following the start in Saint Lucia on 10 January. The fleet set off at midday local time in good winds of around 15 knots from the north-east, ideal for the first leg of their journey to Panama. For many in the fleet, completing World ARC is a lifelong ambition that can take several years of planning. Crossing the start line is a major achievement in itself, and there was palpable excitement among the fleet.
Ahead of the start, Tommaso Amadori from Cashew said: “I’m so excited. I can’t wait to start the trip across the Pacific, and going through the Panama Canal is going to be a blast! It’s just great. The group is amazing and the organisation is fantastic. You need to get the boat ‘ship shape’ for what’s coming, so we’ve spent our time in Saint Lucia doing lots of boat work. It’s a big job mentally and physically, but the reward is amazing.”
The start of the Rally is an essential time as all crews come together, fostering a spirit of camaraderie. Many of the crews have previously completed World Cruising Club events across the Atlantic, and some have even sailed with World ARC before. This year’s event has brought together a new family of like-minded sailors embarking on a great adventure ahead.
The crews have enjoyed a wonderful programme of socialising, seminars, and safety-focused events in Saint Lucia, supported by World Cruising Club, the Saint Lucia Tourism Authority, and Events Saint Lucia. The fleet has been well accommodated at IGY Rodney Bay Marina, marking a perfect start to their adventure.
Over the 15-month duration of the World ARC, the fleet will make landfall in 19 different countries. This journey represents not only an epic sailing voyage but also an amazing opportunity to experience various cultures and visit locations that are often difficult for tourists to access.
Several participants will complete this journey over a more extended period, having taken a ‘gap year’ or two around halfway through, allowing them to rejoin the Rally in future years. World ARC is held annually, so if crew plans change, their participation can be adjusted accordingly.
This year’s fleet has a unique composition, featuring 8 family boats and 7 double-handed boats. Although the crews come from diverse backgrounds, they are united by the common goal of completing World ARC.
Will Lee from Sea Wisdom II shared his enthusiasm: “I’m very excited because this has been a dream for decades. I’m really looking forward to doing it with my wife Chloe as well as sharing this experience with everyone here in the fleet.”
As World ARC will transit the Panama Canal at the end of the month, this marks a significant milestone in the adventure, starting the 10,000 nautical mile journey across the Pacific Ocean. Every landfall will be a stepping stone to explore new landscapes and meet new communities, adding to the rich experiences awaiting the World ARC 2026-27 fleet.
180 sailors are registered for World ARC 2026-27, with the largest participant groups from the United States (48), United Kingdom (33), and Sweden (18). 35 boats from 12 countries are participating, with the highest number of boats from the USA (11), followed by the UK (9) and Germany (3). The fleet includes various types of boats, with Amel and Beneteau each represented by 3 participants. The youngest participant is 6 years old and the oldest is 78. The smallest registered boat is the Grand Soleil 37 Lovitana (11.70M), while the largest is the Chuck Paine Fruition (24.00M). There are also 8 family vessels and 7 double-handed crews involved.
About World Cruising Club: Founded in 1987 by Jimmy Cornell, it runs various rallies including ARC, ARC+ and ARC Europe, as well as the World ARC which involves a 26,000NM circumnavigation starting and finishing in the Caribbean.
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