Yacht-Lovers Flock to St Lucia In December

 

The world-famous Atlantic Rally for Cruisers (ARC) is a ‘must do’ for many sailors, attracting more than 200 boats and 1200 people each year. The route takes in 2,700 astonishingly beautiful nautical miles across the Atlantic from Gran Canaria to St Lucia.

 

This exceptionally sociable rally kicks off on November 12 this year, when the ARC office opens in the vibrant city of Las Palmas and boats start arriving. The last date for boat arrivals is November 18.

 

The rally start date is November 25, with multihulls leaving at 12:30 pm, racing divisions at 12:45 pm and cruising divisions at 1 pm.

 

There is a choice of three routes for 2018: Sailing via the Cape Verdes; sailing via St Vincent, or sailing directly to St Lucia.

 

All sorts of salty sea dogs, from kids to tough racers and cruising couples enjoy a magical few weeks at sea. Friends are forged in port and across the radio net at sea before they arrive in Rodney Bay, St Lucia, where they’re met with a rum punch, fruit or chilled beer! No matter what time of the day or night they arrive—a welcoming party will be waiting.

 

The majority of the ARC boats are scheduled to arrive in Rodney Bay between December 13 and 18, and the finish line closes at noon on December 21. There is a prize giving ceremony on December 22.

 

St Lucia is a fabulous destination for the festive season in the sunshine. ARC activities in St Lucia include tree-planting excursions, marina manager cocktail parties, ARC lectures on Caribbean cooking and cruising, a Pigeon Island Party and the Anse La Raye Fish Fry.

This awesome rally has taken place every November since 1986, bringing together yachters from across the world.

 

If you’re a yacht-lover in St Lucia, check out Stonefield Villa Resort. This wellness resort is cradled in the lush rainforest of St Lucia’s west coast and has been designed in harmony with its natural surroundings.