ARC Race 2013
ARC Race 2013 Starts Sunday 24th November 2013
ARC Race 2013 will see the maximum number of yachts participating some 245. So much was the demand for the ARC Race 2013, all places were filled by January, that the World Cruising Club decided to organise another race called ARC+. This rally will leave Gran Canaria on 1oth November (two weeks earlier than the official ARC Race). ARC+ has a stopover in the Cape Verde Islands before heading across the Atlantic to the finish in Rodney Bay, St Lucia.
The ARC Race is one of the largest trans-Atlantic rallies in the world. The first race was held in 1986 and has proved to be very popular with sailing enthusiasts ever since. It features on many a sailor’s bucket list. Anyone can enter the 2800nm race from Gran Canaria to St Lucia. Families with children, experienced racers, cruising couples, big yachts, and small sailboats. The yachts cross the Atlantic together having adventures along the way. Friendships are made both onshore in the weeks before departure and whilst under sail over the radios at sea whilst supporting each other.
So what do you need to join the ARC Race? A seaworthy boat is a must, either your own or a place to crew on someone else’s boat. A sense of adventure is also necessary and that’s about it….oh and an exiet form (remember those) from work! The crossing will take on average around 20 days.
Crossing the Atlantic can be a daunting prospect for even the most experienced sailors but the World Cruising Club do help entrants and arm them with the knowledge to have a safe and enjoyable race. The pre-departure schedule helps ensure boats are prepared and sailors become relaxed and confident so they can deal with all eventualities once underway. Talking to other ralliers is a great way to share knowledge and concerns, and to make new friends too. The World Cruising Club provides entrants with a comprehensive Rally Handbook that is full of advice on how to prepare your boat and crew. They also run a range of in-depth seminars and quick panel discussions in the UK, USA and Europe.
If you want to participate in the ARC Race 2013 I’m afraid you are too late now for this year, but entries are being accepted for ARC Race 2014. Just visit the World Cruising Club website.
Related Articles to ARC Race 2013:
Lovesail was lucky enough to have a guest blog last year from the crew of Casamara, a Discovery 55 that took part in the ARC Race and sent back daily reports on their progress during the race. To gain an idea of what life was like aboard Casamara during the race read Creative Cuisine for the Casamara Crew and then all the daily diary entries follow on from this.
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