Atlantic Rally for Cruisers: 220 Yachts,21 Nations

6:07 AM Fri 14 Nov 2008 GMT

'ARC Start' .

On the 23rd November, at the end of the hurricane season, the Atlantic Rally for Cruisers (ARC) will again depart Las Palmas de Gran Canaria for St Lucia in the Windward Islands of the Caribbean. Yachts of all sizes and 21 nations will make up the fleet of 220 yachts, everything from an Oyster 82 to a Beneteau First 31, but the median size is 14.3 metres.

Now in its 23rd year, the ARC has always attracted an international audience, and 2008 is no exception. With 1,100 crew taking part, the ARC is not only the World's largest transocean sailing event, but also its most diverse. The passage will take most yachts between 18 and 21 days.

Originally conceived by world cruising guru Jimmy Cornell, before a management buyout changed the stewardship, it is often described as 'a friendly race' for cruising yachts to make the Atlantic crossing both safer and more enjoyable. However, only a small proportion of the boats enter the racing division, most opting for cruising (meaning mostly that you can turn your engine on if becalmed).

ARC Grand Parade - part of the Opening Ceremony - .. .

The ARC runs a good rally, and the disciplines expected by the organisers for getting a yacht ready for the crossing are a comfort for first timers. Those participating must carry a range of safety equipment onboard including a liferaft, EPIRB and VHF radio. Daily radio nets contribute further to the safety of the crews, whilst the presence of many experienced sailors is another incentive.

The ARC distinguishes itself by successfully combining racing and cruising yachts with a mix of older and younger participants, all of whom thoroughly enjoy the varied entertainment that is on offer for all ages at both the start and finish ports. The oldest Skipper this year is 77, the youngest 24.

ARC Flag one of hundreds flying 500 - .. .

Rally participants get a lot for their money. Not only are the safety issues well taken care of, the Rally Organisers put on a week of festivities before that start that are so intense that often sailors leave exhausted from too much partying. 'At least,' said one nervous participant, 'It stops us from thinking about what we are about to DO!' On arrival in Rodney Bay St Lucia, the welcome is magnificent, with the Rally Organising Crew flying to St Lucia to greet the boats with another week of festivities.

For many the ARC is a 'must do' event and the achievement of a sailing ambition. Within the fleet there are those skippers and crew members who say that they are 'doing the ARC' in order to pit themselves against whatever the elements chooses to throw at them and to tackle what is for many a life-changing experience and to come out of it safer, stronger, better people and with new and lifelong friendships forged.

For all the latest news and features and to read the entry blogs during the Rally, log onto: www.worldcruising.com/arc.

by Blackwattle Studios