Time to Set Sail: Atlantic Rally for Cruisers 2019

St Lucia will welcome participants in the 34th edition of the Atlantic Rally for Cruisers (ARC) event from Monday 2 December.

Several boats set off from Las Palmas, Gran Canaria on 24 November to sail 2,700 nautical miles across the Atlantic Ocean. The route takes between eight and 31 days depending on the vessel and trade winds.

The ARC attracts over 200 yachts and 1,500 amateur sailors from more than 20 countries. Participating boats come in various shapes and sizes along with the competing crews.

Speaking before the boats set off, High Commissioner for Saint Lucia in London, Guy Mayers, promised the sailors a warm welcome in the Caribbean.

He said: “When you come to Saint Lucia you will understand what unique hospitality is all about. I want to thank all of you who have chosen to be part of this. We welcome you with open arms and will continue to grow the ARC together.

“So, thank you for choosing Saint Lucia and we wish you well across the ocean.”

The rally is described as “the world’s largest and most successful trans-ocean sailing event,” and has been running since 1986. It was founded by Jimmy Cornell and is now organised by the World Cruising Club.

The World Cruising Club website adds: “More than just a boat race, the ARC is about friendships made ashore in the two weeks of pre-departure activities continued over the radio net at sea.

“It’s about arriving in Saint Lucia to be met on the dock with a rum punch and a chilled beer, knowing you have achieved something fantastic – crossing an ocean on a small sailboat.”

Good luck to all the participants!

For more information visit the World Cruising Club’s website.