About the Atlantic Rally for Cruisers Race

The ARC is a “must-do” event for many sailors, attracting over 200 boats and around 1200 participants each year for a 2,700-nautical-mile journey across the Atlantic from Gran Canaria to Saint Lucia. The ARC fleet of approximately 150 boats will start their Atlantic adventure in late November, sailing to Saint Lucia, spending 18-21 days at sea on the classic trade wind route. Open to all, the ARC welcomes families with children, determined racers, cruising couples, and a mix of big and small boats, all setting out to cross the ocean together while each having their own unique adventure.

Beyond being a race, the ARC is about connections formed in the two weeks of pre-departure activities, friendships that continue over the radio net while at sea. And on reaching Saint Lucia, participants are welcomed at the dock with a rum punch and a cold beer, celebrating the remarkable accomplishment of crossing an ocean on a small sailboat.

Your Race

Prepare for this hands-on, east-to-west Atlantic training passage from the race start in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria to Saint Lucia. This crossing is about building skills, teamwork, and practical experience at sea. As part of the crew, you will assist with boat preparation, learning the essentials of getting race-ready. During the journey, you will be part of the watch system, taking turns with navigation, sail handling, and other duties to keep us moving safely toward our destination and racing against other boats. For the race we keep the crew to six members.

Our experienced skippers will guide you through passage planning and essential training to build confidence and competence. Whether you are a novice or have some miles under your belt, you will pick up practical tips and skills for safe offshore sailing, all while tackling the excitement of an ocean crossing.

Dates

19th November 2026*: ARC - Atlantic Rally for Cruisers Race from Las Palmas de Gran Canaria to Rodney Bay, Saint Lucia - 31 days for £6995 

*Joining is on 19th November, the race begins on 22nd November, the prize giving takes place on 19th December, and our trip finishes on 20th December 2026.

Price

The price is £6995 per person and, as with all our trips, all onboard expenses are included with no hidden costs or surprises. The price includes:

• 31 nights accommodation on a 45ft yacht;
• All onboard meals and snacks;
• Fuel and gas;
• Skipper/guide;
• Marina and harbour fees;
• Bedding (sheet and pillowcase).

Optional items not included in the price: oilskins hire (£3.50 per item per day), sleeping bags (£25 per stay), final cleaning service (£12.50 per person), visitor fees for museums or attractions, flights, travel insurance, car hire, transfers to and from the start or end destinations, meals in restaurants, and other personal expenses, etc.

Beneteau Oceanis 45 Osprey

You will be sailing the Beneteau Oceanis 45 Osprey. Built in 2017, this sailing yacht offers comfortable accommodation for a maximum crew of six, providing a straightforward and practical setup for the crossing. She features four double cabins and a convertible saloon, along with two toilets and showers. Her interior is spacious and well laid out, and her sailing characteristics make her an enjoyable and capable boat for longer passages.

Osprey has recently undergone a comprehensive refit and is very well equipped for ocean passages. Her equipment now includes an extensive offshore kit, a brand-new 6 kW Panda generator, Starlink Internet, and numerous additional upgrades that support performance, safety and comfort at sea.

With a deck plan designed for easy manoeuvring and features such as the drop-down rear seat that transforms into a bathing platform, she provides both comfort and safety underway. With a capable crew and a solid, dependable design, Osprey is prepared for a competitive and confident crossing, combining the thrill of ocean sailing with steady performance across the Atlantic.

Preparing your journey

Our sailings are suitable for complete beginners as well as those with previous experience. Our skippers are RYA instructors with extensive sea time, and they will support you whatever your level, offering guidance and practical tips throughout. This is an involved passage and the crew will be part of the boat preparation, general running of life onboard and the watch system that make it happen.

If you have little-to-no experience, please email us at admin@gowestsailing.com so we can chat through sea life with you. We can advise you on what you should pack and bring on board and hire waterproof garments typically worn by sailors. We will let you know everything you need to get to and from the boat based on our previous experience. We strongly recommend travel insurance.

Book your spot below or phone us if you have any questions +44(0)1475 789837, you can also chat to us on WhatsApp.