The World ARC 2014 fleet follows the experience of previous World ARC events in that it is again a very diverse in many different ways. There are currently 40 boats confirmed to be part of the rally. Three quarters of the fleet will complete the whole circumnavigation during World ARC 2014-15 and the other quarter will either be with the fleet until Australia or join the rally at this halfway point.
The skippers and crews of the fleet are currently drawn from over 16 nationalities. There largest contingent by boat are from the United Kingdom with 12 entries followed closely by 10 from the United States and 7 from Germany. Other nations represented amongst the 150 crew registered so far are Argentina, Australia, Austria, France, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Slovakia, Sweden.
The fleet is also comprised of many different boats types ranging from 11.8 - 19.6 metres. The most numerous build of boat is Hallberg Rassy with 4 yachts of different models, followed by 3 Amels. There are also 5 catamarans in the fleet with almost all representing different multihull manufacturers. There are also several newly built yachts taking part in the event which have been launched in the last twelve months.
So the keyword is diversity. World ARC 2014 brings this all together as the participants converge on Saint Lucia and get to know one another. And when this is coupled with all the interesting places which the rally passes through, the experience will be amazing!
World ARC will start from Saint Lucia on Saturday 11 January, 2014.