It’s been a wonderfully busy few months for World Cruising Club both ashore and out on the water and we’re delighted to share a few highlights with you.
In April, we celebrated a very special milestone as the World ARC 2025 – 26 fleet completed their circumnavigation in Saint Lucia. Thirty-five boats took part in this edition, with 20 completing the full world voyage and others choosing to sail half the route to extend their adventure over several seasons. The celebrations were both joyful and emotional as crews said their goodbyes after 15 months of shared experiences, friendships and ocean miles. We’ll certainly miss following their daily progress, but we hope to welcome some of them to future shoreside events where you can hear their stories first-hand.
Meanwhile, ARC Europe is in full swing. After enjoying their time in Sint Maarten and Bermuda, the fleet departed Bermuda on 21 May bound for the Azores Archipelago, an 1,800-mile passage, with the first arrivals expected into Horta around 29 May. Crews have been doing a fantastic job of sharing life at sea on Instagram – if you’d like a window into daily passage life, follow @arc_rally and enjoy the stories we re-post from the fleet.
Out in the Pacific, the World ARC 2026 – 27 fleet is currently sailing in two groups. A few are discovering the dramatic limestone landscapes of Niue, while the rest are already enjoying the stunning islands of Tonga. The fleet will reunite in Vava’u in June before continuing together to the remote Lau Group Islands in Fiji, where special arrangements have been made with the authorities for the fleet’s check-in. You can follow their adventures on Instagram @world_arc_rally and on Facebook.
Ashore, we’ve thoroughly enjoyed meeting so many of this year’s ARC and ARC+ crews, along with those planning their future adventures, at the Ocean Sailing Weekend, Bluewater Day Netherlands and Bluewater Day UK. These events are always a fantastic opportunity for sailors to ask questions, share plans, and gain practical advice from past participants and industry experts, and it’s been a pleasure to see the enthusiasm and excitement building among those preparing for their rallies.
Next up, we’re looking forward to welcoming some of our Swedish sailors at Bluewater Day Sweden in Marstrand on 30 May, where we hope to continue the conversations, share more knowledge and meet both familiar and new faces from the cruising community.
Register for Bluewater Day Sweden
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A quick note:
If you’re hoping to cross the Atlantic this year, do make sure your entry is in soon.
ARC+ 2026 is now on a waiting list, however there is still availability on ARC 2026.
Looking further ahead, entries for the 2027 rallies will open this summer. We’ll send a separate announcement when they do, or you can register online to receive the information pack as soon as it’s published.
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The World Cruising Club online merchandise store is now open!
The World Cruising Club shop offers a wide range of official rally merchandise, including polo shirts, t-shirts, hoodies and jackets, alongside technical sailing gear designed for life afloat. You’ll also find courtesy flags, cruising guides and charts, as well as a selection of embroidered garments and personalised merchandise featuring your boat name. Wear your rally kit in the lead-up to the rally and at the start in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, to proudly show fellow crews which boat you will be sailing on. Shop Now
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UK Shoreside Events
Bluewater Cruisers’ Question Time
- 19 September 2026, Southampton
An engaging 2-hour skipper panel diving into Atlantic crossings and circumnavigation – sharing real insights on routes, weather, boat choice, what to take (and what to leave behind), crew tips, and the unforgettable highlights from life at sea.
World ARC Seminar
- 20 September 2026, Southampton
A free, two-hour seminar exploring the World ARC circumnavigation route, the extraordinary destinations along the way, and the boat and crew preparation needed to make the journey a success – packed with practical insights, expert guidance, and real-world experience.
Ocean Sailing Weekend
- 20-21 March 2027, Fareham, Hampshire
An unmissable, intensive two-day event packed with essential knowledge for long-distance sailors, designed to leave you informed, confident, and ready for bluewater cruising – with expert-led sessions, practical advice, demonstrations and real-world insights throughout.
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US Shoreside Events
Annapolis Sailboat Show
- October 15-18, 2026, Annapolis MD
If you’re visiting the show, do stop by our stand to chat with Paul and the team about rallies and bluewater sailing – or simply to share your latest news from the water.
We’ll also be hosting a USA Rendezvous in Annapolis on October 16, 2026, this is always a great opportunity for us to catch up with past participants and meet those considering joining a World Cruising Club rally.
It’s free to attend but please register to join us, we’d love to see you!
World ARC Seminar
- October 16, 2026, Annapolis MD
A free, two-hour deep dive into the World ARC circumnavigation – exploring the route, remarkable destinations, and the boat and crew preparation needed to take on this incredible voyage.
Atlantic Circuit Seminar
- October 17, 2026, Annapolis MD
A free, two-hour seminar packed with insights on sailing to Europe and back to the Caribbean – or buying a boat in Europe and making the Atlantic crossing home via the ARC.
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2027 Rally Entries Open This Summer
Entries for next year’s rallies open this summer! Register your interest for ARC, ARC+ 2027 or World ARC 2028–29, and you’ll automatically receive the new brochure as soon as it’s released.
Register your interest, and we’ll send you the full digital brochure pack with all the details the moment it’s published.
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Making a Positive Impact Around the World
The World Cruising Positive Impact Fund supports meaningful community and environmental projects in the destinations visited by World Cruising Club rallies around the world.
From helping local schools and marine conservation initiatives to supporting grassroots organisations and community programmes, the fund aims to give something back to the places that welcome our fleets.
Every donation, no matter the size, helps create a lasting positive impact and strengthens the connection between cruisers and the communities they visit. If you would like to support the incredible work being done through the fund, we encourage you to make a donation and help us continue making a difference around the world.
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Related Links
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