The ARC+ 2026 fleet have set sail from Las Palmas de Gran Canaria to begin Leg 1 of their Atlantic adventure. A total of 78 boats departed in moderate northerly breezes of 11 knots, ideal for their journey to Mindelo in Cape Verde. This smooth departure was a welcome change after a delay from the original start date of 8 November due to strong southerly conditions.
Excitement was palpable among the participants as they prepared for the start. Hassel Hassenbürger from Now or Never (DEU) shared his sentiments: “It’s my first Atlantic crossing so I’m maybe not as experienced as others, but it’s an adventure! I feel good because I’ve been supported by the ARC+ team.” He emphasised the importance of safety and the social aspect of the rally, noting the well-organised shoreside programme.
As the fleet left the marina, they were cheered on by a large crowd of locals and fellow participants. The fleet gathered near the start line, located between the Committee Vessel and a red buoy further offshore. The multihull division, comprising 25 boats, started first at 12:45 UTC, with Blue Sky (FRA) making an impressive start, taking advantage of stronger winds at the pin end of the line. The cruising division followed at 12:00 UTC, featuring 53 boats, creating a spectacular scene as they set off.
Both divisions favoured the pin end of the start line, with notable competition between Zina, a Farr 56 (GBR), Constance, a Swan 441 (GBR), and Take 5, a Salona 40 (NED). Many boats launched asymmetric spinnakers as they aimed for the southern end of Gran Canaria.
This year, World Cruising Club provided a live stream of the ARC+ start on their YouTube and Facebook channels, making the event accessible to a broader audience. The ARC+ is known for its diversity, with 355 sailors from 30 nations participating this year.
After departing, the fleet will sail approximately 850 nautical miles south to Mindelo, Cape Verde. Once they complete this leg, expected to take 5-8 days, they will explore Cape Verde before the rally restarts on 22 November. Leg 2 concludes in Port Louis Marina, Grenada, covering a total distance of over 3000 nautical miles.
The experience of sailing on the ARC+ is not just about the miles; it fosters lifelong friendships and provides life-changing experiences for participants.
ARC+ 2026 Key Information
- 78 boats from 21 nations have entered the Rally. The most common countries are United Kingdom (18), Germany (10) and France (9)
- The most popular boat manufacturers are Fountaine Pajot (7), Hallberg-Rassy (6), Beneteau (5), Hanse (5) and Bavaria (5)
- The largest boat is Zina (GBR), a Farr 56 (17.6m)
- The smallest boat is Cara of the South (IRL), Tradewind 35, 10.67m
- There are 355 participants from 30 countries in the fleet. The most common nationalities are British (79), American (37) and German (36)
- The youngest participant is 2 years old
- The oldest participant is 77 years old
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 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, it is the world’s most established ocean going rally.
- ARC+ from Gran Canaria to Grenada via Cape Verde. First run in 2013, the fleet size is around 100 hulls.
- ARC Europe from Sint Maarten or the US east coast to Bermuda, then the Azores, finishing in Portugal. It first ran 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 offers 1000NM of stunning cruising through the Baltic Sea. The route starts in Germany and finishes in Bullandö, Sweden.
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