ARC Europe 2026 begins as sailors leave Sint Maarten

The ARC Europe 2026 fleet have set sail from Sint Maarten to Bermuda, on what is the first leg of their transatlantic crossing.

The Rally is a multi-stage, transatlantic cruising event, where sailors can start in either Sint Maarten or Bermuda, before transiting to Europe for the beginning of June. This year, a total of 36 boats entered the Rally, bringing together over 170 sailors from across the world. Sailors completing all legs will sail a total of 3745NM across three legs and ahead of the start, those taking part were excited to set sail.

Simon Janison (GBR), skipper of Surprise said: “You’ve got to sail an ocean, don’t you? I came out with the ARC last year and it was fantastic. I had a really good time but now I’m on my way home with ARC Europe.

“We feel confident that the boat is in the condition that it should be. Also, the stops, which we didn’t have on the ARC, make things easier.”

ARC Europe began in a steady 13-15 knots of breeze, blowing from a west south-westerly direction, which is ideal for the fleet as they make the journey north towards Bermuda. Typically, the voyage from Sint Maarten to Bermuda (870NM) takes 4-5 days, and with stable winds in this direction, the fleet should make good progress into the North Atlantic.

There can occasionally be some tricky weather to deal with during the route, as low pressure systems track across the course. For this reason, the ARC Europe Rally offers many people a greater feeling of safety due to the levels of support from World Cruising Club and the benefits of sailing alongside other yachts.

Ahead of the start, Mark Wojtania (USA) from Copernicus Star said: “We felt a little unsure about crossing an entire ocean by ourselves the first time. ARC Europe just felt safer. I know that the safety standards are great and there’s a great community and family (of sailors). We just thought, let’s do it!

“We’re slowly getting to know everyone but the people in this fleet are friends for life. It’s such a great way to meet people that you’ll know forever.”

On top of the safety benefits that any World Cruising Club event brings, ARC Europe participants have been enjoying the social programme organised as part of the Rally. So far, the participants who began the Rally in Sint Maarten have enjoyed ‘sundowner’ drinks events, a tour of the island and a fleet barbeque, but looking ahead, they will be able to take part in multiple tours and social events organised specially for the fleet at each destination.

These events are made possible thanks to the valued support of the local tourism boards and a number of key nautical organisations, including Sint Maarten Yacht Club, the Sint Maarten Marine Trades Association, whose members includes IGY Marinas at Simpson Bay, Island Water World and many others. Together, they help create a warm and memorable welcome for the fleet.

Following the start of ARC Europe 2026, Managing Director of World Cruising Club, Paul Tetlow, said: “The start of ARC Europe is an exciting time for the team at World Cruising Club. We are delighted to support participants on their Atlantic crossing, where they will undoubtedly create lifelong memories.

“We are pleased to see some familiar faces return to a World Cruising Club event, following positive experiences on World ARC, ARC and ARC+. We also welcome some participants who have never been part of a World Cruising Club rally and will be enjoying the experience for the first time.

“ARC Europe is a multi-stage Rally, which means that participants will experience a range of different cultures on both sides of the Atlantic Ocean. It also means that they will be able to enjoy an extensive social programme at each rally destination. It's very sociable, with lifetime friendships being formed among the community of sailors.”   

The Rally participants are in the early stages of their six-week adventure, so what lies ahead for them is very exciting. Each destination promises its own unique set of experiences which will all be memorable in their own special way. 

To track the ARC Europe 2026 fleet, click here.