Different ARC 2020

By Sytske du Crocq

The first arrivals of boats set for a transatlantic adventure this November have begun in Las Palmas Marina ahead of what is set to be a very different ARC rally in 2020. Following COVID secure protocols, World Cruising Club are adapting the rally format to ensure those wishing to reach Saint Lucia this year can do so safely.

COVID-19 measures

In Gran Canaria, a rise in COVID-19 cases has seen swift action being taken locally with the mandatory use of face coverings and limits on gatherings implemented at the end of August. In line with these restrictions, the traditional ARC pre-start programme will take a different format. The rally hallmarks of support and social cruising are maintained virtually. Expert advice from the team of ARC lecturers will provide guidance through online seminars and interactive Q&A sessions.

Safety at sea and managing risks are of paramount importance to any skipper and following hygiene practices, health monitoring and testing and adhering to social distancing all feature as part of the crew routine. Mitigating the risk of going to sea with an infection, there will be a mandatory PCR test in Las Palmas plus a 7 day isolation period before the start day.

It has been agreed with the Saint Lucia Chief Medical Officer that time at sea will count towards the 14-day quarantine requirement currently required by Saint Lucia, meaning that only yachts with crossing times of less than 14 days will have to spend any time in quarantine on arrival.

Swan 48 Montana is joining the ARC

Montana will start in the ARC 2020. Start date is the 22nd of November. From the 12th of November, Montana is already in Las Palmas and check-in is possible. Latest to check-in is 15th of November.

We expect not more than 20 days for the crossing, with favourable winds we are significantly faster. The Prizegiving is on the 19th of December. When we are arriving early in the Caribbean, we can do some more sailing over there. Read the story about Montana’s ARC 2019

The entree for the ARC 2020 is already closed (31 August 2020) and none of the other boats we have listed will enter this year’s ARC. Boats in Europe will compete in the RORC Transatlantic Race depending on demand.

Go to Montana

The World Cruising Club continues to monitor the situations, protocols and regulations in our start and finish ports for the ARC, as well as following guidance issued by World Sailing and the WHO.

ARC 2021

Interest for next year’s ARC rally is anticipated to be strong, and due to sailors swapping from this year, the rally is expected to be oversubscribed in 2021. Next year’s ARC entry list is planned to open in September 2020. Boats will enter once the minimal amount of crew has booked or secured his or her spot on the boat, so we suggest not to wait too long.

Go to ARC

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