Transatlantic ARC

Since November 1986, the Atlantic Rally for Cruisers has been a main fixture in the sailing diary for over 30 years. As the largest race of its kind, it’s a ‘must do’ for many; registering on the bucket list of experienced sea dogs and unseasoned landlubbers alike.

Better known as ARC, the rally attracts over 200 boats and 1200 people every year, from all over the world. Strangers gather together at Las Palmas on Gran Canaria. Here, they meet their fellow crewmates and become familiar with the boat that will be their home for the next few weeks. They will spend their land-based days preparing themselves with training and safety drills. Then, the first gun will sound and the rally will begin. Sails are unfurled and the boats plough through the waves towards the classic trade wind routes. Elements are battled. Old and new skills are put to the test. All while the boats sail 2700NM across the planet’s second-largest ocean. By the time the boats cruise into the warm waters of St Lucia, life-long friends step off the boats and into the open arms of the welcoming committee. And some well-earned rest and celebration.

Having successfully completed in 2018, 2019, (with 2 boats) 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, gaining a podium finish in 2020 and actually winning the racing division in 2022, we will again join ARC in the Racing Division. This means no mechanical propulsion; it’s the wind in the sails the whole way! We recognise that for many of our crew on board this is an opportunity to fulfil a lifelong dream. ARC can be the most wonderful of champagne sailing or a challenge to overcome as a team, embracing a whole lot of fun along the way.

We offer a discounted rate to two members of the crew on each boat if you are under the age of 25 by the time the trip starts. Please enquire if you are interested in this offer.

Our Atlantic Cruise participating in ARC is all for everyone enjoying themselves, safety remains our top priority. We require anyone interested in this trip to have a phone conversation with one of our team members to discuss expectations. We also recommend crew members take a sea survival course.

Plan

Days 1-6 - 11th to 16th Nov 2025: Sea Survival Course
We’re hoping to once again offer a two-day Sea Survival course as part of the preparation and training days. Each boat’s crew will spend two days completing the course, while the remaining days will be dedicated to preparing and readying their vessel. This prep work will continue throughout the week leading up to the start.

The course is not only a great opportunity for crew to learn and practise essential safety procedures together, but it also helps us meet the ARC’s minimum requirement for certified crew members. We’ll confirm the final details shortly.

Days 7-12 - 17th to 22nd Nov 2025: Boat Preparation & Training
In the lead-up to the start, you’ll spend your days preparing the boat, attending seminars, and getting to know both your yacht and your fellow crewmates. The schedule will be a mix of hands-on work, training sessions, and opportunities to build team dynamics.

There are usually plenty of chances to join in with the local social events organised by the ARC. These are a great way to make new friends and get a feel for the wider fleet. That said, do expect the first few days to involve some hard graft. All the boats on the dock will be busy with repairs, last-minute improvements, provisioning, and fine-tuning, and we are no exception. It’s a full-on week, but incredibly rewarding.

Day 13 - 23rd Nov 2025: Official start to the ARC
12:45hrs start gun. The ARC begins.
This is a great opportunity to gain considerable miles towards qualifying for the RYA Yachtmaster Qualification.

Day 39 - 19th Dec 2025: Official end of the race
At 12:00hrs, the finishing line to the race closes. This gives all of the boats an amble 27 days to cross the Atlantic.

Day 40 - 20th Dec 2025: Prize Giving Ceremony
A time of parties and celebrations.

Read more

Other information

All crew members are welcome, even if they do not know the language spoken on board (english)

Full joining instructions will be provided 4-8 weeks before the trip, however, please feel free to ask any questions you may have.

Price includes: Race Entry, Yacht Charter, Accommodation on board (shared cabins), Meals at sea (self service), Certified Professional Skipper, Basic Training, Consumables for the yacht (diesel, fuel and water), Mooring Fees, Insurance for the yacht, Lifejacket, Personal locating beacon

PRICE DOESN'T INCLUDE: Airfares, Meals offboard, Transfers airport-marina-airport, Shore based accommodation, Wet gear, Personal insurance (we recommend Topsail). please see our website

Next dates

Boat details

The boat is a 2008 racing-ready Beneteau First 40.7; a racer that embodies all the aspects of a racing pedigree, with the added provisions of comfort in mind. Whether you’re a novice, or an experienced competitor Escapado can put a smile on your face.

As a company, our priorities lie in providing the highest quality and service, this is why we have invested heavily in upgrading Escapado and there are elements of cutting edge technology on board. We offer competitive prices for bareboat charters and individual crew berths, with extended lead in and out periods that allow all teams to get the most out of their experience.

Specifications

Model: Bénéteau - First 40.7
Capacity: 10 spots
Length: 12.00 m
Cabins: 3
Year: 2008
Bathrooms: 1

Features

GPS
Life jackets
VHF
Autopilot
EPIRB
Shower
HI-FI equipment
Wifi

4.5 · 3 reviews

European Mile Builder Leg 6: Malta to Gibraltar

Exceptional, complete, hard and demanding. A challenge that requires the capacity for suffering, the navigation is continuous without respites or stops, guard changes every 4 hours, warm bed. IT IS AN EXPERIENCE TO REPEAT after recovery

Reply from Germaine

Thank you for your kind words, we really appreciate having you on board and the skipper Will speaks very highly of you.

All the best
Germaine

European Mile Builder - Leg 3: A Coruna to Gibraltar