Welcome to the ARC 

 Public Events 

 Join in the celebrations — these ARC events are open to everyone! 
Spectators packed onto the harbour wall in Las Palmas to watch the start of ARC 2023

ARC+ events open to all!

OPENING CEREMONY:
DATE: 2 November 2025
TIME: Ceremony starts at 12.00 but arrive early (11.00) to get your position and enjoy the fun!

START DAY:
DATE: 9 November 2025
TIME: The boats will start leaving the marina from 09.00 Make sure you arrive early to wish them luck from the breakwater wall, and enjoy the festivities in the marina. The official start gun for the Multihull division will sound at 12.45.

See more details below.

ARC+ OPENING CEREMONY: 2 November 2025 - 12.00

The Opening Ceremony of ARC+ is always a truly special moment in Las Palmas. It marks the official start of the rally festivities, setting the tone for days filled with excitement, friendship, and celebration. As crews from around the world gather at the marina, there’s an incredible energy in the air — flags flying, music playing, and the vibrant atmosphere of sailors about to embark on an unforgettable adventure across the Atlantic.

ARC+ START: 9 November 2025 - 12.45

Spectators can enjoy the colourful spectacle of yachts gliding out to sea — a mix of excitement, emotion, and celebration. It’s a fantastic sight for sailors and non-sailors alike, and the perfect chance to cheer the fleet on as they embark on their unforgettable journey to the Caribbean. Come and join us by the marina office for a vibrant atmosphere and to wave goodbye to all the crews, or walk further south along the promenade of the Avenida Marítima to see the yachts with their sails up. For a classic, elevated view of the departing fleet, head to the ridge of the Vegueta area or the village of San José and take in the stunning sight as the boats set off across the Atlantic.

Join in the celebrations — these ARC events are open to everyone!

OPENING CEREMONY:
DATE: 16 November 2025
TIME: Ceremony starts at 11.00 but arrive early (09.00) to get your position and enjoy the fun!

DINGHY RACE:
DATE: 16 November 2025
TIME: The race starts at 12.15 but arrive early (11.00) to get your front row seat!

START DAY:
DATE: 23 November 2025
TIME: The boats will start leaving the marina from 09.00. Make sure you arrive early to wish them luck from the breakwater wall, and enjoy the festivities in the marina. The official start gun for the Multihull division will sound at 12.30.

See more details below.

ARC OPENING CEREMONY: 16 November 2025 - 11.00

The ARC Opening Ceremony is a highlight of the rally calendar and a moment filled with excitement and anticipation. Crews from around the world come together in Las Palmas to celebrate the start of their Atlantic adventure, creating a vibrant and festive atmosphere along the marina. With music, flags, and plenty of smiles, it’s a truly special occasion that brings sailors, friends, and visitors together.

ARC DINGHY RACE: 16 November 2025 - 12.15

Crews swap their yachts for dinghies, and take to the water for a light-hearted race that’s all about laughter and team spirit. It’s a fantastic spectacle for participants and spectators alike — with plenty of splashing, cheering, and good-natured competition.

ARC START: 23 November 2025 - 12.30

Watching the ARC fleet set sail is a truly unforgettable experience. The marina comes alive with energy as the yachts glide out to sea, creating a colourful and emotional spectacle that captures the spirit of adventure. Whether you’re a seasoned sailor or simply love the buzz of a big event, it’s the perfect moment to soak up the excitement and cheer the fleet on. Head to the marina office to be right in the heart of the action, stroll along the Avenida Marítima for a close-up view of the yachts under sail, or make your way up to Vegueta or San José for a stunning panoramic view of the fleet as it disappears over the horizon.

Our Experience

Since the very first ARC (Atlantic Rally for Cruisers) in 1986, World Cruising Club has been helping sailors to achieve their dreams of sailing the oceans.

Our contacts in cruising destinations are second to none, ensuring a seamless experience for you. We arrange moorings and memorable experiences. We know the right people for spares and repairs, the best bars and supermarkets and the most beautiful sunsets.

Every year 450 boats with over 1,600 people sail on a World Cruising Club rally, and we want everyone to have an amazing and memorable experience. 

The crew of Inez V celebrating arriving in Saint Lucia after ARC 2024

Fantastic event – we are 21, 24, 58 and 66 year old crew and all loved it!

Richard Border, Inez V (CAN)

Ros and Howard Cheetham at the start of World ARC 2018 in Saint Lucia

World Cruising Club takes the aggravation out of a circumnavigation.

Ros & Howard Cheetham, Misto (USA)

The crew of yacht Lema celebrate arriving in Horta, Azores

The rally will always be one of the highlights of our sailing memories.

Diane Mailloux, Lema (USA)

Ian and Fiona Patience of yacht Asante in Hiva Oa, French Polynesia

We’re doing the ARC again because we just really enjoy it. The fellowship, camaraderie, helping each other and the celebration on arrival – we just love it.

Ian Patience, Asante (GBR)

Paul Wade and the crew of Blonde Moment celebrate arriving in the Azores

It’s comforting to have the same familiar faces to greet you in every port, and to know that everyone truly cares about the safe passage and arrival. This is what it’s all about.

Paul Wade, Blonde Moment (GBR)

Interested?

If you're interested in knowing more or ready to make a decision, click a button below. 

Your adventure starts by entering your email!

If you'd prefer, call us on +44 (0)1983 296060 during UK office hours, or email [email protected]

Our Rallies

ARC

ARC is the original ocean cruising rally, sailing from Las Palmas de Gran Canaria to Rodney Bay in Saint Lucia every November.

ARC+

ARC+ sets sail every November from Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, calling at Cape Verde before heading across the Atlantic to Grenada.

ARC Europe

ARC Europe sails west-to-east across the Atlantic from the Caribbean and US to Bermuda and then to the Azores, before finishing in Lagos, Portugal.

World ARC

World ARC is a 15-month, 26,000NM rally around the world, starting every January in Saint Lucia. Yachts can join for half a rally to or from Australia.

ARC Baltic

ARC Baltic visits five countries in 1,000NM of sailing over a summer month. Starting in Kiel in July, the rally visits Denmark, Sweden, Estonia and Finland.

ARC Portugal

ARC Portugal cruises across the Bay of Biscay from the UK, then day-sails down the Iberian coast to conclude in Lagos, Portugal.