ARC 2025: Atlantic Rally for Cruisers

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Start date:
Nov 20, 2025 at 6:30 pm
End date:
Dec 21, 2025 at 1:00 pm
Crew Capacity
8
Skill Level Required
No Requirement
Language
English
Climate
Subtropical, Temperate
Vessel Type
Sail, Monohull
Vessel
Beneteau Oceanis 45

Since 1986, the Atlantic Rally for Cruisers (ARC) has departed each November from Las Palmas, charting a westward course across the Atlantic to the Caribbean. Yachts from around the globe converge at Las Palmas Marina, located in the vibrant heart of the port city. Covering 2,700 miles, the ARC follows the trade wind route from the Canaries to the Caribbean, designed to maximise steady downwind sailing for an optimal experience. The crossing also qualifies as a Yachtmaster Ocean passage.

About the Atlantic Rally for Cruisers Race

The ARC is a “must-do” event for many sailors, attracting over 200 boats and around 1200 participants each year for a 2,700-nautical-mile journey across the Atlantic from Gran Canaria to Saint Lucia. The ARC fleet of approximately 150 boats will start their Atlantic adventure in late November, sailing to Saint Lucia, spending 18-21 days at sea on the classic trade wind route. Open to all, the ARC welcomes families with children, determined racers, cruising couples, and a mix of big and small boats, all setting out to cross the ocean together while each having their own unique adventure.

Beyond being a race, the ARC is about connections formed in the two weeks of pre-departure activities, friendships that continue over the radio net while at sea. And on reaching Saint Lucia, participants are welcomed at the dock with a rum punch and a cold beer, celebrating the remarkable accomplishment of crossing an ocean on a small sailboat.

Your Race

Prepare for this hands-on, east-to-west Atlantic training passage from the race start in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria to Saint Lucia. This crossing is about building skills, teamwork, and practical experience at sea. As part of the crew, you will assist with boat preparation, learning the essentials of getting race-ready. During the journey, you will be part of the watch system, taking turns with navigation, sail handling, and other duties to keep us moving safely toward our destination and racing against other boats. For the race we keep the crew to six members.

Our experienced skippers will guide you through passage planning and essential training to build confidence and competence. Whether you are a novice or have some miles under your belt, you will pick up practical tips and skills for safe offshore sailing, all while tackling the excitement of an ocean crossing.

Beneteau Oceanis 45 Osprey

You will be sailing aboard Osprey, a Beneteau Oceanis 45 built in 2017 — a sailing yacht that combines performance with comfort, offering an exceptional experience at sea. Designed to accommodate a crew of six, she features four double cabins, a convertible saloon, and two toilets with showers, providing a straightforward yet refined setup. Her spacious and tastefully appointed interior, along with a well-considered deck plan for easy manoeuvring, ensures both ease and enjoyment under sail.

This exclusive sailing experience offers the perfect balance of relaxation and adventure. Enjoy wholesome food prepared onboard, sample local delicacies ashore, and encounter wildlife in its natural setting — all while taking in unforgettable sunsets from the deck. Innovative features such as the drop-down transom, which transforms into a bathing platform, further enhance safety and comfort, redefining what it means to unwind at sea.

Whether you seek quiet solitude, exhilarating adventure, or simply a unique escape from the everyday, Osprey offers a sailing experience that is both memorable and effortlessly elegant.

Google Reviews

4.9

71 reviews

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tom lovekin
2 weeks ago

I have been sailing with Go West regularly for two years now and I have done Competent Crew, Day Skipper Theory and Day Skipper Practical with them. I have also done 3 experience builders, their specialist pontoon and close quarters manoeuvres weekend and most recently a 7 day adventure sail from Largs to Oban. Next up is the VHF course. I have now sailed on 6 of their boats and with 6 of their instructors. Go West is a very well run business, with a considerable number of repeat customers. Their boats are all very well maintained and equipped and their instructors are patient, knowledgeable and polite. However, above all they are all passionate committed lifelong sailors who are keen to pass on their enthusiasm to their customers. I will definitely sail with them again.
Arina
3 weeks ago

I had an incredible week sailing along Scotland’s west coast from Largs in May 2025. We explored some stunning Scottish islands with our fantastic skipper, Danny, who made the whole trip even better. The yacht was modern, really comfortable, and a joy to sail. It was an unforgettable experience - great training, a real sense of adventure, and so much fun. I’d highly recommend it to anyone!
Will Muir
4 months ago

This was a really excellent week sailing on the west coast out of Largs March 2025. we sailed across to ballycastle, back via campbelltown in some challenging conditions with an excellent skipper Peter. the boats are modern and very capable, comfortable lots of good grub. A highly recommended experience. Great training great experience.
Helen Murrie
2 weeks ago

I have just completed my first weekend of three, aboard Solway Adventurer, learning towards obtaining my day skipper qualification. The instructor was relaxed and knowledgeable. Learning points were clear and he was patient with my questions and allowed me to practice manoeuvres repeatedly when needed, not stepping in but talking me through it. Looking forward to the next two weekends
Michal Hartman
a month ago

Another Exceptional Adventure with Go West Sailing – This Time Aboard Skylark. After many fantastic years of training and chartering with Go West Sailing, I returned once again this season – this time for a one-way sailing, hiking, and photography trip from Oban to Largs aboard Skylark, their beautifully maintained Oceanis 45. Skylark proved to be an outstanding yacht for a demanding passage. We encountered a range of conditions, including winds up to Beaufort 8, and her responsiveness and seaworthiness made all the difference. Even when beating against strong headwinds, she handled beautifully and gave us both safety and performance when we needed it most. At the other end of the spectrum, calmer moments offered their own kind of magic – from sunset dinners in the cockpit to quiet anchorages ideal for photography. The layout and comfort of Skylark allowed us to enjoy every moment, no matter the weather. As always, the Go West shore team provided excellent support – responsive, professional, and genuinely friendly. Whether preparing the yacht or assisting with logistics, their care and expertise were evident at every step. This trip was a perfect blend of adventure and serenity, and I’m once again grateful to the entire Go West team for making it possible. I’ll undoubtedly be back for more!