ARC Season Underway as Sailors Gather in Gran Canaria

The start of the 2025 ARC and ARC+ rallies has brought more than 1200 sailors and a diverse fleet of cruising yachts to Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. This year marks the 40th edition of the Atlantic Rally for Cruisers, a milestone in the world of oceanic sailing.

The ARC+ will depart on November 9, sailing 850 nautical miles southwest to Mindelo in the Cape Verde Islands. After resupplying, the fleet will continue on November 21 for the 2,150-mile leg to Grenada in the Caribbean. The rally includes 89 boats, ranging from the 20.36-meter Fountaine Pajot Alegria 67 Anastasia to the 10.77-meter Rustler 36 Restless of Stornoway. ARC+ participants come from 27 countries and range in age from 1 to 71, including 52 children, a record for the event.

The ARC will depart on November 23, covering 2,700 nautical miles to Saint Lucia. This year’s fleet includes 150 boats, from the 30.6-meter Wally Vantanera to the 10.34-meter JPK 10.30 Heartbeat2. Participants represent 31 countries with ages ranging from 6 to 80, and 802 sailors are registered to take part. The ARC remains the only World Cruising Club rally with an IRC racing division, which limits propulsion to sails only.

“The ARC is timed to follow Antigua Sailing Week, offering a safe and enjoyable way for yachts to sail north from the Caribbean,” says Race Chair Les Crane. “The course combines long Atlantic passages with the opportunity for tactical and strategic sailing, making it a unique experience for sailors of all ages and skill levels.”

To celebrate the 40th edition, World Cruising Club will host public events in Gran Canaria including opening ceremony parades, the return of the ARC dinghy race, and two new initiatives: ARC Radio, broadcasting news and interviews 24/7, and ARC Live, featuring daily 90-minute live events and coverage from the start line.

For many sailors, participation in the ARC and ARC+ is a bucket-list adventure, offering long Atlantic passages, tropical skies, and memories that will last a lifetime. The prize-giving ceremonies are set for December 11 in Grenada and December 20 in Saint Lucia.

For more information visit worldcruising.com.

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