ARC+ 2026 begins in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria

The ARC+ 2026 fleet have set sail from Las Palmas de Gran Canaria to begin Leg 1 of their amazing Atlantic adventure.

The fleet of 78 boats departed in moderate northerly breezes of 11 knots, which will be ideal for them to travel towards their first destination of Mindelo in Cape Verde.

These favourable conditions were welcomed by the fleet, as strong southerly conditions had led to a delay in the start from the original start date of 8 November. There was palpable excitement amongst the fleet in advance of the start.

Hassel Hassenbürger from Now or Never (DEU), commented: “It’s my first Atlantic crossing so I’m maybe not as experienced as others, but it’s an adventure! I feel good because I’ve been supported by the ARC+ team.

“We were very relaxed about the decision to delay the start because for us, safety is the most important thing.

“It’s an adventure for us because when you’re on a boat anything can happen at any time, but on top of that, the social aspect of the Rally is really important for me. Meeting crews from an international fleet has been great and I think it (the shoreside programme) has been really well organised.”

As the fleet departed Las Palmas Marina, there was a fantastic atmosphere and they were waved off by a large crowd of Gran Canarian locals and travelling spectators. There was also a large group of ARC participants who enthusiastically cheered as the ARC+ fleet passed the marina breakwater. The ARC Rally starts on 22 November, and it is clear that anticipation for that day is growing.

After departing the marina, the fleet gathered near the start line, which was in between the Committee Vessel, the Spanish Guardia Civil Maritime Service vessel, Rio Órbigo, and a red buoy located further offshore.

The fleet set off in two separate starts. The multihull division, consisting of 25 boats, set off at 12:45 UTC and it was Blue Sky (FRA), an Outremer 52, who made the best start. The crew of Blue Sky favoured the pin end of the line, where winds were slightly stronger than the inshore end of the line closer to the committee vessel. After a well-timed start, they were able to find a clear lane of wind, helping them to break clear from the rest of the fleet.

In ARC+ 2025, an Outremer 55, Enjoy the Silence (FRA), achieved line honours on Leg 2 of the Rally, so it’s certainly possible that Blue Sky will continue this strong start throughout the course of Leg 1. 

At 12:00 UTC, the cruising division, consisting of 53 boats began. Being a larger fleet, the start line was busier. This made for a fantastic spectacle and the participants could really soak up the atmosphere of the start.

Like the multihull start, most boats favoured the pin end of the start line. There was a close start between Zina, a Farr 56 (GBR), Constance, a Swan 441 (GBR) and Take 5, a Salona 40 (NED). Most monohulls opted for a sail plan of a mainsail and a jib, but after a short period of sailing, many boats in the fleet launched asymmetric spinnakers with their sights set on the southern end of Gran Canaria.

The action of the start was brought to new audiences because for the first time ever, World Cruising Club broadcast a live stream of the ARC+ start on their YouTube and Facebook channels.

Bringing the start to an international audience is very important because ARC+ has always been a very diverse event. This year, 355 sailors are taking part, representing 30 nations. Amongst other things, the departure of the fleet represents a rich tapestry of cultures coming together under the common goal of sailing across the Atlantic Ocean. 

After the start, Managing Director of World Cruising Club, Paul Tetlow, said: “It’s excellent to see the ARC+ fleet leave Las Palmas de Gran Canaria to begin their voyage across the Atlantic Ocean. Last week, we made the significant decision to delay the start from the original start day of 8 November. We feel this was definitely the right call, considering the safety of our participants above all else.

“It’s been a great team effort from everyone at World Cruising Club and local supporters and suppliers to adapt to the circumstances of a delayed start. Over the past few days, we’ve worked hard to add additional events to our shoreside programme, as well as keeping the fleet informed about the latest weather developments.

“The participants should feel very proud of themselves to even reach the start line. We appreciate that many people prepare for this moment for years, so it can feel like an incredible milestone.”

Now that the fleet have left Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, they will sail 850NM south to Mindelo, Cape Verde. After finishing this leg, which is expected to take 5-8 days, the fleet will spend a period of time exploring Cape Verde and catching up with the other participants before the Rally restarts slightly later than initially planned, on 22 November.

Leg 2 of the Rally finishes in Port Louis Marina, Grenada. This is a 2150NM voyage, meaning that by the end of the Rally boats will have sailed over 3000NM.

As a feat of sailing, this is a phenomenal achievement, but the ARC+ experience will be defined for participants by so much more than miles sailed. Year on year, those sailing on the Rally make friendships for life and the experience of sailing across the Atlantic Ocean can be truly life changing.