The ARC Celebrates 40 Years of Atlantic Crossings in 2025
In 2025, the ARC celebrates 40 years of helping cruising sailors cross the Atlantic. Over 8,000 boats and 40,000 sailors have joined this historic rally from Las Palmas to St. Lucia, organized by the World Cruising Club.
ARC 2025: Celebrating 40 Years of Atlantic Crossings
In 1986, British yachtsman Jimmy Cornell created the Atlantic Rally for Cruisers (ARC). Cornell, who has sailed around the world three times, wanted to offer cruising enthusiasts an event focused on safety and confidence-building. Now, the ARC is celebrating its 40th anniversary in 2025, continuing to help sailors cross the Atlantic from Las Palmas de Gran Canaria to the Caribbean.
40 Years of the ARC: A Remarkable Achievement
By the end of the 2025 ARC in St. Lucia, more than 8,000 boats and 40,000 sailors will have completed an Atlantic crossing with the ARC’s guidance. The event is organized by the World Cruising Club (WCC), which Jimmy Cornell founded in Cowes, UK. Over the years, it has become a key event for sailors worldwide.
Special Discounts and Contributions for the 40th Anniversary
To celebrate this milestone, the WCC is offering discounts for all ARC entries under 40 feet. Additionally, skippers or boats that participated in the inaugural rally in 1986 will also receive special discounts. Furthermore, US $51 (£40) from every entry fee will be donated to the newly established World Cruising Positive Impact Fund.
Hands-On Sustainability: The ARC Forest
Before the event begins in Las Palmas, participants in the 2025 ARC can engage in a unique hands-on sustainability effort. Sailors will have the opportunity to plant trees in the mountains above Las Palmas, partnering with Fundación Foresta. To date, 3,770 trees have been planted in the ARC Forest, which helps capture carbon and improve rainfall retention.
Supporting Local Organizations
“Supporting local organizations on our route has always been a part of the rally,” said Paul Tetlow, Managing Director of the World Cruising Club. For example, the ARC supports the ARC Forest in Gran Canaria and local sailing initiatives in Saint Lucia. Thus, the rally contributes to communities in the regions it visits.
The Future of the ARC and Positive Impact Fund
Looking ahead, the new Positive Impact Fund will allow the WCC to assist more charities and communities along the ARC route. The WCC also plans to further expand its contributions to local causes in the Caribbean, creating a lasting positive impact.
For more information, visit www.worldcruising.com.
Carol Bareuther has written for ALL AT SEA since 2004.
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