Transatlantic with the ARC
The annual Atlantic Rally for Cruisers (ARC) sets sail every year from Las Palmas, Gran Canaria, to St Lucia. Throughout its 36-year history, the organised rally has provided support and an element of fun for 200+ boats making the 2,700-mile Atlantic crossing.
In 2021, increased demand has led to three routes to the Caribbean under the ARC banner, attracting a mix of couples, hardy racers, family boats, and friends from multiple nationalities.
The ARC+ is a smaller rally than the ARC, attracting around 70+ boats, and departing earlier with a four to six-day stopover in Mindelo, Cape Verde, before finishing in Grenada.
New for 2022, is ARC January, which sails from Las Palmas on 9 January, following the classic trade wind route to St Lucia. Boats can expect a fast passage in well-established trade winds, with less risk of calm spells during the crossing. ARC January is limited to 75 cruising boats, with no competitive racing. Find out more at worldcruising.com
Gran Canaria
Las Palmas de Gran Canaria has been the ‘home port’ of the ARC since the first edition of the rally in 1986. At the edge of the tradewind belt it’s a natural departure point for boats crossing the Atlantic from Europe. Boats leaving the Canary Islands sail south until the butter melts, as the saying goes, until they pick up the north-east tradewinds, which then blow them west across the Atlantic. The ARC starts in late November when the tradewinds become established, and the boats arrive at the end of the Caribbean hurricane season. Find out more at grancanaria.com/turismo/en