World Cruising Club has launched a new cruising rally for 2026 – ARC Baltic – which will take place over 28 days in July, covering almost 1,000 nautical miles and visiting five countries which border the Baltic Sea.

Published 2 days ago

Sailing a Less Frequented Sea

Open to sail and motor yachts, ARC Baltic will start in Kiel, Germany on 3 July and the fleet of up to 25 boats will visit Stralsund (Germany), Bornholm (Denmark), Gotland (Sweden), Tallinn (Estonia), Helsinki (Finland), the Åland Islands and the Stockholm archipelago, before concluding in Bullandö, Sweden on 31 July 2026.

With the longest passage only 200 nautical miles from Bornholm to Gotland, the rally is ideal for family cruisers, motorsailers and trawler yachts. To visit smaller harbours and enjoy wild anchoring, the fleet is limited to 25 boats between 8.23m and 15.24m (approx. 27-50 feet). Larger yachts and multihulls are welcome if space permits.

The Baltic Sea is a sailing area less frequented by yachts based in the English Channel and North Sea, and the rally itinerary is an ideal introduction to the region. The rally is led by an experienced local team who will be on hand to help in each port, and to organise social activities and tours ashore.

A Blend of Adventure, Culture and Natural Beauty

World Cruising Club Managing Director, Paul Tetlow said: “Sailing in the Baltic Sea offers an unforgettable blend of adventure, culture, and natural beauty. With sheltered waters, quiet anchorages and well-equipped marinas, the region is ideal for both experienced cruisers and those developing their offshore sailing experience.”

“Like other World Cruising Club events, ARC Baltic will be attractive to a broad base of sailors, representing different nationalities, experiences and crewing plans, making for a supportive and social way to explore the region by yacht.”

ARC Baltic is a rally of contrasts. One day navigating through the 50,000 islands of the Swedish and Finnish archipelagos and Nordic-style mooring to a rock, then another day sailing into the heart of a capital city. Fine sandy beaches and ancient forests, charming historic ports and tiny islands.

A mix of sailing in company and independent cruising, social activities ashore and personal time draws on World Cruising Club’s 40 years’ experience of organising sailing rallies.

Information packs and entries for ARC Baltic are open now on www.worldcruising.com.

World Cruising Club originally ran an ARC Baltic rally over four editions between 2014 and 2019 which included St Petersburg in Russia. The new itinerary avoids areas of political instability.

2026 ARC Baltic Rally Information

• Start: 3 July 2026 in Kiel, Germany
• End: 31 July 2026 in Bullandö, Sweden

Route:

• Kiel to Stralsund120NM
• Stralsund to Bornholm 95NM
• Bornholm to Gotland 200NM
• Gotland to Gotska Sandön 55NM
• Gotska Sandön to Tallinn 190NM
• Tallinn to Helsinki 45NM
• Helsinki to Åland 200NM
• Åland to Bullandö 70NM

Entries:

• Limited to 25 yachts – Sail or motorboats
• Minimum 8.23m (27’) maximum 15.24m (50’)
• Larger yachts and multihulls may be accepted

About World Cruising Club

World Cruising Club was formed in 1987 by Jimmy Cornell after the success of the original 1986 Atlantic Rally for Cruisers. After two changes of ownership, the company is now owned and run by Paul and Suzana Tetlow with a small dedicated team in Cowes (UK) supported on events by a wider network of the famous ‘yellow shirts’.

• ARC from Gran Canaria to Saint Lucia. First run in 1986, the rally attracts over 150 boats. The ARC is the only rally with an IRC racing division.
• ARC+ from Gran Canaria to Grenada via Cape Verde. First run in 2013, the fleet size is around 100 boats.
• ARC Europe from Sint Maarten or the US east coast to Bermuda, then the Azores, finishing in Portugal. First run in 2000, the fleet is around 30 boats.
• World ARC 26,000NM circumnavigation starting and finishing in the Caribbean. The first World ARC took place in 2008 following the success of the Europa rallies and now runs annually.
• ARC Portugal first sailed in 1995, the rally crosses the Bay of Biscay then day sails down the Portuguese coast to finish in Lagos.
• ARC Baltic a month-long and 1000NM cruise around the Baltic Sea, taking in Germany, Denmark, Sweden, Estonia and Finland.

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Related Links

• World Cruising Club

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