An ocean crossing of the planet’s second largest ocean with the Atlantic Rally for Cruisers (ARC) is one of the most iconic sailing events of the sailing diary, taking you on an exhilarating journey across the Atlantic from Gran Canaria to St. Lucia. Whether you’re an experienced sailor or a novice looking to embark on a grand adventure, joining a yacht for the ARC offers an unparalleled sailing experience. You may join the crew as a group of strangers, but life-long friends step off the boats in St Lucia. Rubicon 3 are Europe’s #1 offshore adventure sailing experts, who have completed hundreds of Atlantic crossings – and this is our guide to everything you need to know about joining the ARC.
Who Organizes the ARC?
The Atlantic Rally for Cruisers (ARC) is organized by the World Cruising Club. Since its inception in 1986, the World Cruising Club has turned the ARC into a celebrated transatlantic rally. It regularly attracts hundreds of boats and sailors from all over the world. They also organize the World ARC, an epic round-the-world rally that takes participants on an unforgettable journey through some of the most spectacular sailing destinations on the planet, and the ARC Europe.
Although we usually run our own expeditions, the ARC is such fun, and we always have such a great time, that it is the one organized event, other than racing, that we participate in. It’s an incredible opportunity for sailors of all experience levels to join our professional crew on this iconic Atlantic crossing in a supportive and structured environment that allows you to build seamanship skills while enjoying the thrill of an ocean passage.
Cruising Division vs. Racing Division: Understanding the Difference
When joining the Atlantic Rally for Cruisers (ARC), yachts have the option to participate in either the Cruising Division or the Racing Division. Understanding the differences between these two categories is essential, as it will shape your experience, expectations, and the overall atmosphere onboard.
Cruising Division
The Cruising Division is designed for those who want to enjoy the experienc of sailing one of the classic trade wind routes, rather than focus on competition. This division emphasizes the adventure, camaraderie, and the pleasure of crossing the Atlantic at a more leisurely pace. Allowing a much greater emphasis on training and full crew involvement, this is the division that Rubicon 3 enters.
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- Pace and Route: Boats in the Cruising Division can sail at a comfortable pace, focusing on safety and enjoyment rather than speed. While there is still an element of friendly competition, the primary goal is to have a safe and enjoyable passage.
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- Onboard Atmosphere: The atmosphere onboard is generally more relaxed compared to the Racing Division. There’s a strong emphasis on socializing, enjoying the ocean, maybe some fishing, and making the most of the experience.
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- Use of Engines: Boats in the Cruising Division are allowed to use their engines when needed, particularly if they encounter areas of light wind or if the weather conditions are unfavorable. However, engine use must be logged and will affect any time allowances that determine final positions in the results.
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- Suitability: The Cruising Division is ideal for those who may not have extensive racing experience or who prefer a less intense crossing. It’s also a great option for families, those interested in a more educational experience, or anyone who wants to savor the journey without the pressures of racing.
Racing Division
The Racing Division, on the other hand, is for those who want to push their sailing skills to the limit and experience the thrill of competition on the open ocean.
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- Pace and Route: Boats in the Racing Division are focused on speed and efficiency. The goal is to complete the crossing as quickly as possible, and the race is on from the moment the starting gun fires in Gran Canaria. Crews work hard to optimize every aspect of sailing performance.
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- Onboard Atmosphere: The atmosphere onboard is more intense, with a strong focus on teamwork, precision, and maintaining the boat’s performance. Crews in the Racing Division typically work on tight watch systems, with constant attention to sail trim, navigation, and weather conditions to maximize speed. There’s less downtime, and the sense of competition is palpable.
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- Use of Engines: Engine use is strictly prohibited in the Racing Division except in emergencies. This means that boats must rely entirely on their sails and the crew’s skills to navigate, even when the wind is light or conditions are challenging.
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- Suitability: The Racing Division is best suited for those with a competitive spirit and a solid foundation in sailing. It requires a higher level of commitment, physical endurance, and sailing expertise. If you’re looking to challenge yourself, test your sailing abilities, and perhaps even win, the Racing Division is where you’ll want to be.
Experience Needed
One of the joys of the ARC is that there is such a wide range of experience amongst those taking part, ranging from experienced sea dogs to those on their first significant offshore passage. Prior sailing experience is not a strict requirement, but it is highly advisable. Crossing the Atlantic is a serious business and finding out you don’t like sailing when you’re 1000 miles offshore is not a sensible approach. At Rubicon 3, we ask crew to have at least a couple of weeks prior experience. However, we do not expect any significant knowledge or skills, with our industry-leading instructors there to give you full offshore sail training once you join us in Gran Canaria.
Food and Provisioning
Provisioning for the ARC is a meticulous process, as you’ll be at sea for about 2-3 weeks. We get you the crew fully involved in this. We’ll buy a mix of fresh, frozen, and non-perishable foods. Fresh produce is typically consumed first, followed by frozen food, and canned or dried goods. Meal planning is crucial to ensure variety and nutrition throughout the journey. If you have dietary restrictions, we can usually make provisions for you with sufficient notice. Just check before you bok your berth.
Onboard, everyone often takes turns cooking, so be prepared to share the responsibility of meal preparation and cleanup. We focus on simple, hearty recipes that can be made with limited ingredients and, if needed, in rough seas. There’s a menu book and loads of assistance, so don’t worry about it. It’s surprisingly good fun.
Weather Conditions
Crossing the Atlantic in November / December means encountering a range of weather conditions. After the start in Gran Canaria, the boats plow south toward the trade winds. These should provide a steady north easterly breeze, making for pleasant, downwind sailing most of the time. However, you still always need to be prepared for squalls—short, intense bursts of wind and rain— in the tropical regions. The temperature will vary, starting cooler in the Canary Islands and warming up significantly as we approach the Caribbean. Our boats have some air conditioning in the accommodation areas, but even so by the time we arrive in Saint Lucia, you’ll know you’re in the warmth!
Wildlife Encounters
The Atlantic Ocean is teeming with wildlife, and one of the highlights of the ARC is spotting marine creatures. Dolphins often ride the bow wave, and it’s not uncommon to see whales, flying fish, and even sea turtles. Birdlife can be sparse, but occasional sightings of seabirds far from land are awe-inspiring.
Fishing is a popular activity during the crossing. Tuna, mahi-mahi, and other game fish are often caught and can be served fresh, providing a delicious supplement to our offshore menu.
The Final Days Before the Start: Preparation and Excitement
The 3-4 days leading up to the start of the ARC are a whirlwind of boat preparation, training, and social events.This includes final checks of all systems, provisioning with food and water, and ensuring that safety equipment is in top condition. This is also when we get out and do some training sails, and run sea and land based training sessions, practicing essential drills such as man-overboard recovery, sail handling, and deckwork.
In addition to the practical preparations happening across all the boats, there’s a strong social element in the days before the start. Las Palmas buzzes with excitement as crews from over 200 yachts gather for briefings, workshops, and seminars covering everything from weather patterns to emergency procedures. These sessions are invaluable for ensuring that everyone is well-prepared and informed.
Evenings are filled with social events, including welcome parties, barbecues, and crew dinners, providing the perfect opportunity to meet other participants, share stories, and build camaraderie. The atmosphere is a unique blend of anticipation, excitement, and the shared sense of adventure that defines the ARC.
Gran Canaria
Gran Canaria is the departure point for the ARC and offers plenty to explore before setting sail. The island is known for its beaches, diverse landscapes, and nightlife. Las Palmas, the capital, hosts the fleet and is where you’ll finalize preparations, attend briefings, and meet fellow sailors.Take time to explore the local markets for any last-minute provisions or treats, and soak in the culture and atmosphere.
St. Lucia
After 2-3 weeks at sea, you’ll be greeted by the lush, tropical island of St. Lucia. The ARC finishes in Rodney Bay, where the welcoming party is legendary. Expect a warm reception with cold drinks, run punch, fresh food, and plenty of stories to share with other crews. St. Lucia has stunning beaches, rainforests, and a lovely local culture. We will often arrive near the front of the fleet, so any spare days will be spent cruising the nearby islands such as Martinique.
Life Onboard
Life onboard a yacht during the ARC is a blend of routine, excitement, and camaraderie. Expect to be on a watch system, meaning you’ll take turns being responsible for sailing the boat, navigating, and keeping watch for other vessels or hazards. Watches typically last 3 hours on and then 6 hours off, rotating around the clock. Those on watch will he helming, trimming sails, navigating and keeping a look out. When not on watch, you’ll have time to relax, read, fish, or enjoy the endless ocean views, sea air and warm sun.
It’s a very fun, relaxed environment on board. You do need to be prepared for close quarters living (although on our 60′ yachst you get far more space than many!) Good communication, respect for others, and a sense of humor go a long way in maintaining harmony on board.
What to Pack
Packing for a transatlantic crossing like the ARC requires some careful thought. Essentials for the next few weeks will include:
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- Clothing: Lightweight, breathable layers for warm weather, along with some warmer gear for the start when it can be colder or out at night and in rougher seas. Don’t forget a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen.
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- Footwear: Non-slip shoes are essential onboard. Consider bringing sandals or flip-flops for time on land.
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- Sleeping Gear: A light sleeping bag or lightweight blanket is essential.
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- Personal Items: Toiletries, medications, and any personal electronics. Each bunk on a Rubicon 3 boat has a USB charging point.
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- Seasickness Remedies: Even if you don’t usually get seasick, it’s wise to bring medication.
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- Entertainment: Books, music, podcasts, or other entertainment for downtime. Cards or small games can be great for bonding with the crew.
- You can read our full packing list here.
Choosing the Right Boat for the ARC
Selecting the right boat to join for the ARC is a crucial decision that will significantly impact your experience. With hundreds of yachts participating, the options can seem overwhelming, so it’s important to consider several factors to ensure you’re on a legal yacht, a safe yacht and it’s the best fit for you.
Cost-Sharing vs. Commercial Sailing: What You Need to Know
When considering joining a yacht for an Atlantic crossing such as the ARC, it’s important to understand the difference between commercial and non-commercial yachts, particularly regarding cost-sharing and charging practices.
Non-commercially coded yachts are private vessels that legally cannot charge individuals to join as crew for profit. However, they can ask for a contribution to costs. This means crew members may be asked to share the expenses of the voyage—such as fuel, food, and marina fees—without crossing into the realm of commercial activity. It’s crucial that these contributions are purely cost-sharing, covering only actual expenses and not generating a profit for the owner or skipper.
In contrast, commercially coded yachts are highly regulated, surveyed in and out of the water and meet stringent safety and operational standards that allow them to legally charge participants for the crossing. These yachts are regulated and insured for carrying paying passengers, ensuring the highest levels of safety and professionalism.
Over the years, we have heard so many horror stories about amateur crews and skippers and it’s why the choice between joining an unknown amateur crew or highly respected professionals is crucial. Sailing with a highly respected, professionally-run yacht offers the assurance of safety, expertise, and legal compliance, especially when the vessel is commercially coded and equipped with top-tier safety gear.
Why Choose Rubicon 3?
Sailing with a highly professional company like Rubicon 3 is, in our humble opinion, the best choice for those looking for an exceptional and safe ARC experience. Our boats are custom-built ocean-going yachts, not repurposed leisure cruisers, and commercially coded to Cat 0, ensuring they meet the highest safety standards. We pride ourselves on equipping our yachts with the best safety gear and our industry-leading expedition skippers, who provide expert training to all crew members. Our commitment to professionalism, safety, and adventure ensures that you’ll be in the best possible hands for your ARC journey – and mighty glad of it mid-ocean.
Final Thoughts
Joining a yacht for the ARC is so much more than just a sailing adventure; it’s a life-changing experience. You’ll learn new skills, face challenges, and create memories that will last a lifetime. The key to a successful crossing is preparation, a positive attitude, and a willingness to work as part of a team.
Whether you’re drawn by the allure of the open ocean, the thrill of the race, or the promise of new friendships, the ARC offers an unforgettable journey from the Canary Islands to the Caribbean and by the time the boats cruise into Rodney Bay in St Lucia, you will have a whole new outlook on the world.
