ARC Channel Islands 2016 to be launched at Southampton Boat Show

by RYA on 6 Sep 2015 ARC Channel Islands 2016 – RYA Active Marina are delighted to be joining forces with rally experts World Cruising Club and Practical Boat Owner magazine to offer both novice and experienced sail cruisers the chance to join the first-ever Channel Islands.

Anyone interested in cruising to the Channel Islands is invited to discover more about the rally at the official launch party and information event being held during Southampton Boat Show.

The launch will provide an opportunity to learn about the rally, first time channel crossings and what makes the Channel Islands so popular among UK cruisers. There will be experts from World Cruising Club, the RYA and Channel Islands harbours on hand to answer any questions you may have, as well as participants from previous RYA Sail Cruises, giving a chance to mix with likeminded sailors. You can register your attendance for free here.

To celebrate the rally’s launch, leading chart publishers Imray are offering a set of Channel Islandscharts and pilot books (worth £270) for a prize draw.

Guy Malpas, RYA Yachting Development Manager, believes the ARC Channel Islands will offer a new adventure for both beginner and experienced sailors alike. “Whether you have crossed the channel before or not, this is a great opportunity to do so in the company of an RYA-qualified instructor and like-minded sailors. RYA Active Marina is delighted to be part of what I`m confident will be a very successful and enjoyable event.”

Jeremy Wyatt from World Cruising Club explained the background to the new rally. “We are very pleased to be working with RYA Active Marina to promote safe and social cruising. ARC Channel Islands offers a mix of preparation advice and support from a lead boat, combined with a cruise-in-company and a great social atmosphere. Boat owners, charterers and their crews will have the opportunity enjoy many highlights that make the Channel Islands so popular with cruising sailors whilst gaining more experience sailing further afield as part of an organised event.”

Christian Koefoed-Neilsen took part in the 2010 RYA Sail Cruise to Cherbourg and the Channel Islands aboard his Hallberg Rassy 37 ‘Psyche’ and believes cross-channel rallies are an excellent way of developing all-round boating skills. “It was very well organised, there was an interesting mix of people and boats, and it was great to meet the other participants during our trip. This was a very good way of boosting one's confidence in making longer cruises and passage planning.

“My crew and I thoroughly enjoyed the whole trip, and I'm glad to see the RYA and the WCC are now doing something similar. Without hesitation, I'd recommend a cross-channel rally to anyone considering going, it's a very good platform on which to build your cruising.”