New ARC Baltic Rally Charts an Ambitious Course Through Five Countries in 2026
World Cruising Club, the organization behind the well-known Atlantic Rally for Cruisers (ARC), has unveiled a brand-new event for 2026: ARC Baltic. Set for July 2026, this new cruising rally will guide a select fleet through five countries and nearly 1,000 nautical miles of scenic and historic cruising grounds across the Baltic Sea.
Departing from Kiel, Germany on July 3 and wrapping up in Bullandö, Sweden on July 31, the route includes stops in Stralsund, Bornholm, Gotland, Tallinn, Helsinki, the Åland Islands, and the Stockholm Archipelago. Each destination offers a blend of cultural charm, wild anchorages, and sheltered sailing waters.
Limited to just 25 yachts between 27 and 50 feet, ARC Baltic is designed with family cruisers and motorsailers in mind. With short hops—most under 200 nautical miles—the rally allows ample time for both social activities and personal exploration. Larger yachts and multihulls may be accepted if space allows.
“Sailing in the Baltic Sea offers an unforgettable blend of adventure, culture, and natural beauty,” says Paul Tetlow, managing director of World Cruising Club. “With sheltered waters, quiet anchorages and well-equipped marinas, the region is ideal for both experienced cruisers and those developing their offshore sailing experience.”
The rally will be led by a local support team that will assist at each port and coordinate guided tours, pontoon parties, and shoreside gatherings—hallmarks of the ARC experience. According to Tetlow, the rally’s social atmosphere is one of its biggest draws: “ARC Baltic will be attractive to a broad base of sailors, representing different nationalities, experiences and crewing plans, making for a supportive and social way to explore the region by yacht.”
From Nordic-style rock moorings among the 50,000 islands of the Swedish and Finnish archipelagos, to sailing into vibrant capital cities like Tallinn and Helsinki, ARC Baltic offers an itinerary that contrasts natural beauty with cultural depth.
World Cruising Club previously ran an ARC Baltic rally between 2014 and 2019, which included St. Petersburg. The new edition avoids politically sensitive areas and focuses on regions rich in cruising appeal.Registration is now open, and interested sailors can find more details and request an information pack at worldcruising.com.
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