Sail Racing Academy

Transatlantic ARC 2024

Since November 1986, the Atlantic Rally for Cruisers has been a main fixture in the sailing diary for over 30 years. As the largest race of its kind, it’s a ‘must do’ for many; registering on the bucket list of experienced sea dogs and unseasoned landlubbers alike.

Better known as ARC, the rally attracts over 200 boats and 1200 people every year, from all over the world. Strangers gather together at Las Palmas on Gran Canaria. Here, they meet their fellow crewmates and become familiar with the boat that will be their home for the next few weeks. They will spend their land-based days preparing themselves with training and safety drills. Then, the first gun will sound and the rally will begin. Sails are unfurled and the boats plow through the waves towards the classic trade wind routes. Elements are battled. Old and new skills are put to the test. All while the boats sail 2700NM across the planet’s second-largest ocean. By the time the boats cruise into the warm waters of St Lucia, life-long friends step off the boats and into the open arms of the welcoming committee. And some well-earned rest and celebration.

Having successfully completed in 2018, 2019, (with 2 boats) 2021, 2022, gaining a podium finish in 2020 and actually winning the racing division in 2022, Sail Racing Academy will again join ARC in the Racing Division. This means no mechanical propulsion; it’s the wind in the sails the whole way! We recognise that for many of our crew on board this is an opportunity to fulfill a lifelong dream. Arc can be the most wonderful of champagne sailing or a challenge to overcome as a team, embracing a whole lot of fun along the way.

Though Sail Racing Academy is all for everyone enjoying themselves, safety remains our top priority.


Days 1-4 - 16th-19th Nov 2024 Sea Survival Course
We’re considering adding a two day Sea Survival course to the preparation and training days. It will be incredibly beneficial for the crew to learn and practice safety procedures together, and this will help us with ARC’s minimum requirement of certified crew members. Stay tuned for the official confirmation

Days 5-8 - 20th-23rd Nov 2024 Boat Preparation & Training
Arrival. You will then have 4 days of boat preparation, seminars, training, and familiarisation of the boat and your fellow crewmates. There are usually plenty of opportunities to join in the local social activities put on by ARC to make new friends and get to know the competition during this time. Please bear in mind that all the boats on the dock will be taking part in the same activity of repairs, last-minute enhancements, provisioning, and tweaks and we are no different so please expect the first few days to be hard work.

Day 9 - 24th Nov 2024 Official start to the ARC
12:45hrs start gun. The ARC begins.
This is a great opportunity to gain considerable miles towards qualifying for the RYA Yachtmaster Qualification.

Day 35 - 20th Dec 2024 Official end of the race
At 12:00hrs, the finishing line to the race closes. This gives all of the boats an amble 27 days to cross the Atlantic.

Day 36 - 21st Dec 2024 Prize Giving Ceremony
A time of parties and celebrations.

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