World ARC 2026-27 Rally Handbook

The Rally Handbook is packed full of useful information about the rally. The Handbook should be shared with all members of the crew, so please encourage them to read the book, or download the files below.

Section 1:  Introduction
This section welcomes you to the rally, introduces the World Cruising Club team and gives the rally timetable.

World ARC 2026-27 - Introduction
 

Section 2: Preparations
The Preparations section is split into 4 chapters, covering preparations for the boat and crew to ensure that everything is ready for the rally.  
Each chapter can be downloaded as a separate document.

2025 Rally Handbook: 02. Preparations complete
Preparations Chapter A: SafetyOnboard
Explains the World Cruising Club safety equipment regulations and discusses the different items of safety equipment.
2025 Safety Equipment Checklist

Preparations Chapter B: Boat Preparations
Suggestions for preparing your boat for a long passage, including communications, sail choices, spares, and how to take a critical look at your bo
Advice for skippers and crew on preparing for an ocean passage. Includes watch systems and  tips for sailing with children and pets

Preparations Chapter D:  Ocean Sailing
Practical suggestions for pre-departure planning and ocean sailing, including fuel and water planning, boat and rigging checks, provisioning, and managing rigging failures.

Section 3:  Local Information
This section provides detailed information on the rally ports. Saint Lucia is ready now, with the complete first half rally local information available in May 2025 and the second half local information available in May 2026.
Saint Lucia 2026-27
Saint Lucia to Australia 2026
Australia to Saint Lucia 2025 (will be updated May 2026)

Section 4:Rally at Sea
This section looks at on-rally communications, the likely conditions on the rally route and sources of weather information.  It also includes information about the Cape Verde Islands should you have to make landfall there, and the competitive side of the ARC
World ARC at Sea

All skippers have the option to request a printed copy of the Rally Handbook - if you haven't done so, please email [email protected]
Please note: All sections are copyright World Cruising Club and cannot be reprinted, reproduced or shared with anyone other than ARC 2025 crew without permission.
You should be able to download each section by clicking the coloured text.  If you need a PDF reader, you can download Adobe Acrobat Reader for free here