ARC+ 2025 has concluded with a jubilant prizegiving ceremony in Grenada, involving 84 yachts and over 400 crew members from around the globe. The participants embarked on a two-leg transatlantic journey, commencing from Las Palmas de Gran Canaria to Mindelo in the Cape Verde Islands (850 nautical miles) and culminating in Port Louis, Grenada (2,100 nautical miles).
Opening the prizegiving event, Shanai St Bernard of the Grenada Tourism Authority and Zara Tremlett from Port Louis Marina applauded the achievements of the sailors and their support teams. Prizes were awarded in various categories.
Prizegiving Highlights
Multihull Division Winners:
- Enjoy The Silence (BEL) secured 1st place in Class A Multihulls and also claimed Multihull Line Honours, finishing in 10 days, 4 hours, and 38 minutes—over a day faster than the previous year.
- Kotare (GGY) won 1st place in Class B Multihulls.
Dan Simpson from Kotare expressed his disbelief and pride in their achievement, mentioning the life-changing nature of the rally for their family as they proceed to New Zealand.
Cruising Division Winners:
- Dawnbreaker (SWE) clinched 1st place in Class A and Cruising Division Line Honours.
- Morning Bird (GBR) topped Class D Cruising.
- Ursa Major (NOR) was victorious in Class B Cruising.
- Lala Salama (GBR) triumphed in Class C.
Raymond Saelen from Ursa Major highlighted the enjoyable conditions of the Atlantic crossing and their happiness in completing the journey as a family.
Apart from the fastest boats, special awards were presented to other crews, including those overcoming significant challenges during the crossing.
- Fleet Nominated Awards: Recognised Tangaroa for “Most Beautiful Yacht”.
- Social Media Award: Dawnbreaker was acknowledged for their captivating posts throughout the journey.
- Adversity Awards: Given to crews of Canopus and Miss U for their resilience.
- Spirit of the ARC+ Rally: Awarded to Fortuitous for their outstanding support of fellow sailors at sea.
Paul Tetlow, Managing Director of World Cruising Club, congratulated all participants for their accomplishments, emphasising the memories made during the ARC+.
Double Handed Achievements
The skill and teamwork of double-handed crews were also celebrated. Linn from Eveline shared their joy in completing the crossing under 14 days and the enjoyment of the rally experience.
Young Sailors Celebrated
A record 48 children participated in the ARC+ fleet this year, with each child receiving a medal and certificate for their achievements. Special recognition was given to Skye and Bee from Blue Ocean for their care of the ARC+ mascot during the journey.
Charitable Contributions
The ceremony provided an opportunity to acknowledge the positive impact ARC+ sailors have made in the rally destinations. World Cruising Club announced a donation of nearly £10,000 to the Positive Impact Fund, benefiting local projects in Grenada and Cape Verde.
- 1,750 USD to the L’Esterre, Carriacou Junior Sailing project.
- 1,000 USD to the Grenada Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.
- 2,000 USD to Umanzia for humanitarian aid in Cape Verde.
Next Steps for the Participants
The prizegiving marked the end of the ARC+ 2025, but many participants will continue their sailing adventures in the Caribbean. Several boats plan to complete a global circumnavigation with World ARC starting in January, while others aim to return to Europe with ARC Europe in May.
These sailors will undoubtedly cherish their experiences during ARC+ 2025, filled with unforgettable memories.
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