The ARC (Atlantic Rally for Cruisers) is one of the world’s most popular and well-known long-distance sailing rallies, sailing across the Atlantic to the Caribbean. The World ARC is an expansion of this event, for long-term sailors who wish to circumnavigate the whole globe! These rallies are arranged by World Cruising Club (WCC) and provide an opportunity for sailors to undertake long ocean passages in the company of other boats, making it a safer and more sociable way to explore the world’s oceans.
WCC provide a wide range of support and benefits to sailors participating in their ARC rallies, including safety seminars and training in preparation for the voyage, technical assistance whilst under sail, and advice on weather, logistics or medical problems that may occur. These should leave you feeling secure and safe whilst sailing, in particular if you are sailing with your family. Another benefit is that the World Cruising Club regularly arrange and host social events for their participants to help you meet other sailors or to welcome you to shore after a passage at sea!
Here’s an overview of both the ARC and the World ARC:
ARC (Atlantic Rally for Cruisers):
The ARC was first organised in 1986 and takes place annually. It typically begins in late November or early December, and the main route of the ARC is from Las Palmas in the Canary Islands to Rodney Bay in Saint Lucia – a distance of approximately 2,700 nautical miles across the Atlantic Ocean! The event attracts a diverse fleet of cruising yachts and catamarans, from seasoned sailors to those embarking on their first ocean crossing so you’re bound to find someone to sail alongside.
The World ARC is an extended rally, that circumnavigates the globe – it typically takes around 15 months to complete, and starts and finishes in Saint Lucia. After completing the ARC, you could go straight onward and start the World ARC from St Lucia!
The route varies, and you do have freedom in where you choose to stop, but you might make visits to various destinations such as the Galapagos Islands, French Polynesia, Australia, South Africa or Brazil. The World ARC covers a wide range of ocean passages, so provides participants with an opportunity to explore many regions of the world and visit places you might only dream of!
Whilst many of the logistical aspects of these voyages are arranged and supported by the organisers, one thing you’ll need to ensure you have sorted is your insurance. At Topsail, we have access to insurers that could cover either the ARC or the World ARC and provide comprehensive insurance policies for offshore sailing. Find out more and enquire about your boat insurance with our team today.
We also offer a Yachtsman’s Travel insurance policy, which is designed to support offshore sailors with their travel insurance needs. This includes £5,000,000 coverage for emergency medical expenses, which would include airlift from your boat if required. We are pleased to have a partnership with the ARC offering a discount for your sailing travel insurance policies – contact World Cruising Club to request your exclusive discount code now!
You can get a quote or apply online for travel insurance with our team today.
