On Sunday 24 November a record-breaking 45 multihulls were the first boats to cross the start line of the Atlantic Rally for Cruisers (ARC) 2024, followed by the 11-strong IRC racing fleet at 12:45 and then at 13:00 the 83 cruising yachts. There are three Arcona yachts participating, Arcona 435, Ohana from the USA, Arcona 400, Greta from Sweden & Arcona 435 Mk II, Gentoo from Jersey, with Arcona UK dealers, SE Yachts, Director, Simon Rosier, as part of Gentoo‘s crew. Ohana & Gentoo are in Cruising Class B and Greta is in Cruising Class C.
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Proof that the ARC is at heart a cruising rally was provided by Johanna Schalander, co-owner of Arcona 400 Greta (SWE), who baked and served fruit pies during the start sequence.
After two weeks of Canarian hospitality and support, the majority of the 820 ARC sailors will be at sea for up to 21 days, although the racing yachts and some of the sportier cruisers will have a shorter time in their sights. The ARC record of 8 days and six hours set in 2016 by Rambler 88 (USA) still stands.
Follow them on the YB Races app and on the fleet viewer on worldcruising.com.
Like all sailing, wind, waves and how the crews choose to sail their boats will determine their arrival date into Saint Lucia. Irrespective of performance, every boat will be greeted in IGY Rodney Bay Marina with a warm Lucian welcome, the congratulations of the yellow shirt team and fellow sailors, and a spicy rum punch.
Intro image from Arcona 435 Mk II, Ohana, owners.
Main Text & Images with thanks to the ARC organisers, World Cruising Club