Rally Preparations

Preparing for your adventure
A man is up the mast of an ARC yacht in a bosuns chair taping the spreaders

Sailing over the horizon requires preparation. Getting the boat ready, perhaps buying new sails or specialist equipment like a watermaker or hydrogenator. Ensuring the crew are mentally and physically ready (and have their passport and any visas). Making sure you have enough food, water and fuel. Planning the route and considering all the β€˜what ifs’.

When you start to think about it, the details of ocean sailing can seem quite daunting. We’ll help you through the process with our comprehensive rally handbook and useful monthly rally update emails to keep you on track.

Our top two tips?

  • Learn to love a list
  • Get advice from experienced sailors and professionals

Come to one of our shoreside events to meet the World Cruising Club team, experienced sailors and marine industry professionals who are ready to share their knowledge and help you get prepared.

Click a topic below to learn more:

Preparing for Your Adventure

Rally Boats

The smallest yacht we allow is 8.23m (27 feet). We welcome monohulls, catamarans, trimarans and motor boats, and almost every yacht brand has participated in one of our rallies. 

A woman drives a catamaran yacht with flags flying. Safety equipment is attached to the rails

Safety Equipment

We require every boat to have specific safety equipment, which we’ll inspect before the rally starts. We also expect a level of competence from the skipper and crew. 

A man wearing a blue shirt sits at the navigation station of his yacht looking at an SSB radio

Communications

We require all ocean rally boats to be able to send and receive emails at sea and to have fixed and handheld VHF radios. Most boats will have Starlink or a satcoms system.

Cruising Equipment

It is perfectly possible to cross the Atlantic without an autopilot, freezer, specialist sails and extensive electronics, and boats do so every year.  What are some of the choices?

A group of young men and women sit talking in the cockpit of a yacht docked in Las Palmas Marina

Crew

We require a minimum of two adults (over 18) on every boat - no single-handers. Beyond that, rally crews are aged from babies to the over 80s – everyone is most welcome. 

A woman cooks a meal in the galley of her catamaran Homecoming

Life Afloat

Crossing an ocean is only the beginning of your life afloat. Being self-sufficient as far as possible for water, electricity and maintenance will improve your quality of life.

Our Rallies

Learn more about our ocean crossings and offshore rallies and find your next adventure!