Flotilla rally in the Atlantic, Jimmy Cornell’s ingenious idea set the standard
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Crossing the Atlantic under sail is the quintessential voyage that harks back to the feat of Christopher Columbus, but also to the most prestigious ocean races. And the great thing is that everyone can do it today. How? Sailing in the flotilla…
In our fast-paced, technological age, the allure of long sailing endures. Those that allow you to unplug, get as far away as possible from land and its ruckus and experience the thrill of adventure, deep contact with the sea and with yourself. Crossing the Atlantic Ocean, for example, is a very common dream among the most romantic sailors. And today it is also easier than in the past and within everyone’s reach. Especially thanks to flotilla rallies, events that make it possible to experience the great adventure safely, with zero stress and in an atmosphere of celebration and sharing. The first of these flotilla rallies was the Arc (Atlantic Rally for Cruisers) conceived in 1985 by Australian journalist and navigator Jimmy Cornell. An event that still has hundreds of entries today and has set the standard.
Read also: Here are the three must-do flotilla rallies around the world
Why it is a successful format
The beauty of an ocean flotilla rally is that it allows one to accomplish a great feat under sail, but in complete safety, followed and guided by the organizers who support the participants in so many aspects: preparation of the boat and crew, galley, study of the weather, navigation safety, management of berth reservations in the various ports of call, and bureaucratic procedures. Then there is a special ingredient that is in fact the real driving force behind the entries: the festive atmosphere, the parties organized at the start and finish, the relaxed and informal atmosphere, and the desire to share a human experience. So here is a selection of seven flotilla rallies for those who want to sail the Atlantic Ocean. One more beautiful than the other…
The ocean as an opportunity to celebrate life
The Rallye des Îles du Soleil is a transatlantic flotilla crossing organized by Grand Pavois Organization that is meant to be a celebration of sailing, travel and friendship. The Atlantic passage under sail is actually an excuse to share emotions and passion for the sea. We sail together to the horizon and enjoy time on the boat and then take advantage of the carefree atmosphere of the Canary Islands and the Caribbean to enjoy parties, music and shows. On land, guided tours and group activities are then scheduled to build friendships and promote mutual support within the flotilla. However, this does not put safety on the back burner. Participants benefit from experts in meteorology and offshore navigation to guide them through the crossing.
Les Iles du Soleil 2026
Route: Canary Islands – Cape Verde – Marie Galante (Guadeloupe)
Miles 3,000
Departure: October 31, 2026
Duration: about one month
Minimum boat size: 9.90 m
Crew: minimum 2 people
Info: https://en.rallye-ilesdusoleil.com
Here’s how to have fun across the Atlantic
The Viking Explorers Rally has established itself as a compelling alternative for Atlantic crossings. Unlike competitive regattas, this 2,700-nautical-mile adventure emphasizes camaraderie, safety and fun. Since its first edition in 2018, the rally has grown in popularity, attracting sailors from around the world. With a maximum of 25 boats admitted each year, the Viking Explorers Rally offers an exclusive experience, focusing on exceptional customer service and promoting strong bonds among participants. In the weeks leading up to departure, participants participate in seminars, webinars, guided tours, sunset aperitifs and dinners.
Rally Viking Explorers 2026
Route: Canary Islands – Cape Verde – Grenada
Miles 3,200
Departure: January 6, 2026
Duration: about 2 months
Minimum boat size: not indicated
Maximum number: 25 boats
Crew: minimum 2 people
Info: https://www.vikingexplorersrally.com
The “queen” of all flotilla rallies
The ARC, an acronym for Atlantic Rally for Cruisers, was born in 1985 when a reporter for the British sailing magazine Yachting World, Jimmy Cornell, on his way to Las Palmas (Canary Islands) to watch the departure of boats heading for the Caribbean, had an intuition: to create an event that would allow participants to all cross the Atlantic together, safely and having fun. An event for anyone: even families with children. They liked the idea so much that 204 boats from 24 different countries were lined up at the start of the first edition in 1988. The rest is history: successive editions that were increasingly well attended and packed with events. And above all, a format that has set the standard, inspiring countless other rallies on the ocean and around the world over the years.
ARC 2026
Route: Canary Islands – Saint Lucia
Miles 2,700
Departure: November 22, 2026
Duration: one month
Minimum boat size: 8.23 m
Crew: minimum 2 people
Info: www.worldcruising.com
The Atlantic in a “racing” version
Originally launched in response to the growing popularity of the Atlantic Rally for Cruisers, the Arc+ is the “racing” version of the Atlantic crossing dedicated to the more sporty crews who, always in a convivial atmosphere, still want to have an adrenaline-fueled experience and also try their hand at performance. Years later, the Arc+ has now established itself as a rally in its own right with its own unique identity. The Atlantic crossing in this case starts in Gran Canaria and arrives in the Caribbean via a strategic stopover in the Cape Verde archipelago before the big “jump.” It also takes advantage of a more southerly route that should generally benefit participants in more stable trade winds. And after the regatta, the atmosphere of parties, music and entertainment in the overwhelming Caribbean atmosphere remains the same.
ARC + 2026
Route: Canary Islands – Cape Verde – Grenada
Miles: 3,200
Departure: November 8, 2026
Duration: one and a half months
Minimum boat size: 8.23 m
Crew: minimum 2 people
Info: www.worldcruising.com
The Atlantic crossing to the east
The “ARC Europe” is a reverse variation of the famous annual transatlantic event “ARC” (Atlantic Rally for Cruisers), organized by the World Cruising Club. In fact, this version of the rally focuses on crossing the Atlantic from west to east, typically starting in the Caribbean or the United States and sailing a more northerly route of the ocean through the Azores, Madeira and Bermuda, then landing in Portugal. The convivial spirit, safety briefings, organized tours, and departure and arrival parties are identical to the classic Arc, as is the opportunity to meet other enthusiasts and share a memorable experience.
ARC Europe
Route: Saint Martin (Bermuda) or Solomons (USA) – Azores – Portugal
Miles: 3,700
Departure: May 4, 2026
Duration: one and a half months
Minimum boat size: 8.23 m
Crew: minimum 2 people
Info: www.worldcruising.com
David Ingiosi
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