ARC+ 2020 - Entries now open
by World Cruising Club 29 Aug 2019 04:58 PDT
ARC fleet © Ocean Cruising
ARC+ takes sailors across the Atlantic from Gran Canaria to the Caribbean via the Cape Verde archipelago.
Originally launched in response to the ever growing popularity of the ARC, the route via the Cape Verde islands is now firmly established as a standalone rally with its own unique identity.
For 2020, two Caribbean destinations are available - sail to IGY Rodney Bay Marina in Saint Lucia, or Blue Lagoon Marina in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.
For full details, request an information pack. This includes full pricing, rally benefits and links to our conditions of entry and safety equipment requirements and will be sent to you be email.
About ARC+ 2019
After a week-long pre-departure programme, the first stage of the rally sails from Las Palmas de Gran Canaria to Mindelo Marina, São Vicente, on Sunday 8 November 2020.
The fleet re-group in Cape Verde and following the 3 to 5 day stopover, yachts can choose to sail to either Rodney Bay, Saint Lucia or Blue Lagoon, St. Vincent, with both routes setting sail on 19 November 2020.
The passage to the Caribbean is approximately 2150nm, and will take 12 to 16 days, with prize givings marking the end of the rally in each destination; on 9 December in Saint Lucia, and 10 December in St. Vincent.
Benefits of Joining the Rally
Most people join a World Cruising Club rally for the security and peace of mind of an organised event; for the camaraderie and friendship of a large group of like-minded people; and for the fun of sailing in a fleet of boats. It's as much fun for experienced sailors as for those new to ocean sailing.
ARC+ participants benefit from a host of discounts and advice from World Cruising Club partners for a range of products and services. From clothing to insurance, charts to liferafts, and sails to satphones, the companies we work with know our rallies and requirements and will be happy to help you. Crews and their friends and family can also benefit from specially negotiated hotel rates and discounts on flights.
Each year, approximately 20 marinas offer substantial discounts to ARC participants; an average 45ft boat can save in excess of 30% on their berthing fees by planning their sail from Northern Europe to the Canaries to utilise the discounts available. On arrival, several boats comment that they have saved well over the entry fee in marina discounts alone, as well as meeting fellow ARC and ARC+ crews along the way.
How to Join the Rally
The first step is to request an information pack. This contains all the essential information to know before you book, full pricing, rally benefits and links to our conditions of entry and safety equipment requirements.
To sign up for the rally, please click here. After you have completed your entry and paid your boat fee, we will send you a confirmation email and receipt.
Due to restrictions of docking space, ARC+ has an upper entry limit of 100 yachts across both routes, after which we start a waiting list. In order to avoid disappointment, we recommend that entries should be made as soon as possible after entry opens.