Please select your home edition
Edition
September 2023
Product Feature
Zhik Powerpads - lightweight carbon support
Zhik Powerpads - lightweight carbon support

ARC+ 2023: A spectacle of colour sets off to Grenada

by World Cruising Club 18 Nov 2023 14:03 GMT
2023 ARC Plus © ARC Atlantic Rally for Cruisers

92 boats in the ARC+ fleet left Mindelo today in a spectacle of colour with gennakers and code zeros flying in the light breeze as the boats commenced the second and final ocean leg; sailing 2,200 nautical-miles across the Atlantic to Grenada. Three boats remained behind due to mechanical problems, but hope to catch up with the fleet shortly.

While ARC+ isn't a race and there is no racing division, at the beginning of each leg, the yachts have a formal start time to provide fun competition. Overseeing rally proceedings onboard committee vessel, Hemmingway, the ARC+ rally control team sounded the horn at midday to signify the start of Leg 2. With clear blue skies and 12kts of northerly wind, it was champagne sailing for the first boat across the start line, which was Sassicaia, a Luffe 48; closely followed by Argenaut, a Dulfour 430GL and XIII Treize, an Outremer 55.2.

The weather for the fleet for the next few days is expected to continue with light winds until Tuesday when the trade winds are likely to increase. Once the trades stabilise, they should be light to moderate, increasing as the boats head west. Winds in the longer term are predicted to be stronger south of a direct route. Follow the fleet online here, or download the YB Races app.

This year, has seen a record-breaking 95 entries for ARC+, attesting to the growing popularity of this two-stage Atlantic adventure and the appeal of the destinations in Cape Verde and Grenada. Såo Vicente has proved a fantastic stopover for those crossing the Atlantic, and Marino Mindelo has been hugely accommodating in securing, not just pontoon space for the 95 boats, but in offering an array of facilities to help those that needed to do an array repairs and fixes.

While staying in Mindelo, many of the rally participants and their guests welcomed the opportunity to discover the beautiful islands of Cape Verde. Popular organised excursions included a panoramic drive around the northeast coast of São Vicente and a trip to explore the spectacular views and stunning scenery of the neighbouring island of Santo Antão.

Related Articles

Leopard breaks ARC Atlantic Race record
Crossing the finish line off Rodney Bay today Mike Slade's canting keel 100ft Maxi, Leopard took Line Honours for the 2014 ARC Race (IRC Racing Division) crossing the finish line off Rodney Bay, St.Lucia on 3 December at 01:09:51 UTC. Posted on 3 Dec 2014
ARC Portugal 2013 Start
17 yachts depart from Plymouth There was bright sunshine over Plymouth Sound as the crews of 17 yachts taking part in World Cruising Clubs ARC Portugal departed Mayflower Marina for the first leg of their sail south. Posted on 3 Jun 2013
ARC Europe & Atlantic Cup underway
37 yachts set off from Nanny Cay, Tortola Thirty yachts hailing from twelve different nations have left the Caribbean with the ARC Europe and Atlantic Cup sailing rallies for a cruise home in company with expert support and organisation from World Cruising Club. Posted on 9 May 2013
ARC announces second start date
Stopover in Cape Verdes for 2013 rally Demand from sailors world-wide for spaces in the 2013 Atlantic Rally for Cruisers (ARC 2013) has been unprecedented. The thirty extra boat slips recently installed by the Las Palmas Port Authority has enabled the ARC to grow to a maximum of 245 yachts. Posted on 7 May 2013
World ARC 2012-13 ends in Saint Lucia
26,000 nautical miles, 3 oceans and over 17 countries Fifteen months ago, the World ARC 2012-13 fleet set out from Saint Lucia to sail around the world. Amongst the crews were many nationalities, backgrounds and reasons for taking part. Posted on 16 Apr 2013
2013 set to be the biggest year ever
Extra pontoon spaces for ARC boats in Las Palmas World Cruising Club are pleased to announce that the Port of Las Palmas have confirmed an additional 40 pontoon spaces will be available in Las Palmas marina for yachts joining ARC 2013. Posted on 31 Jan 2013
World ARC 2012/2013 departs Cape Town
For final stages of their circumnavigation After spending the festive season cruising South Africa, the 2012/13 World ARC leaves Cape Town for the final stages of their circumnavigation. Posted on 8 Jan 2013
ARC 2012 draws to a close
Prize winners announced at spectacular ceremony The 27th ARC came to a rousing conclusion last night with a spectacular prizegiving ceremony at the Gaiety Nightclub in Gros Islet, Saint Lucia. Posted on 23 Dec 2012
40 foot boat is first arrival
In ARC 2012 after 12 day crossing After a journey of over 3,300 nautical mails Class 40 Vaquita has taken line honours at the ARC 2012, having sailed from Gran Canaria in just over 12 days; a truly magnificent performance for a 40 footer. Posted on 7 Dec 2012
27th ARC cuising boats start
226 boats now en route to Saint Lucia After two extra nights in Las Palmas, ARC 2012 cruising boats finally set sail to join the racing division boats already at sea en route to Saint Lucia. A total of 226 boats and 1269 people are now participating in the 27th Atlantic Rally for Cruisers. Posted on 27 Nov 2012