The legendary ARC is turning 40. How it came about and how to sign up this year

The year was 1985, exactly 40 years ago. Nautical journalist and sailor Jimmy Cornell went to the Canary Islands to interview some skippers who were preparing for the ocean crossing to the Caribbean: he was to write an article for Yachting World magazine. After all, since the time of Columbus, the Canary Islands have been the starting point for those wanting to cross the Atlantic. It was there that Cornell realized that the people he interviewed were as diverse as their boats. Different nationalities, ages, economic conditions. It was the atmosphere among these sailors-a mixture of excitement, apprehension, and camaraderie-that gave Jimmy the idea of organizing a race across the Atlantic, but with a completely different goal than other ocean races. It was not going to be a “hard” crossing, but a fun and participatory regatta, with the intent of increasing safety and confidence, especially among those facing their first long ocean passage.

An event for everyone: even families with children. The rest is history. They liked the idea so much that when the first ARC (Atlantic Rally for Cruisers) departed Las Palmas on November 25, 204 boats from 24 different countries were lined up. Set course for Barbados, a destination that, since 1989, would be replaced by Saint Lucia, where the regatta still arrives today. The2025-2026 edition of the ARC (starting next November) will celebrate the 40th anniversary of the regatta, and there are many benefits for those who participate: not only an enriched program of activities in Las Palmas and Saint Lucia: there are special discounts for all boats under forty feet and for any yacht or skipper who participated in the first edition of the regatta.

• If you want to cross the Atlantic while having fun, safely, propelled by the trade winds, give it a thought: now is the time! Find all the information to do so at www.worldcruising.com/arc