Berthon & the World Cruising Club ARC 2022

At Berthon we specialise in the sale and purchase of bluewater cruising yachts and for many years we have been Berthon supporter of the World Cruising Club and the ARC. Many of the yachts that participate in the ARC and other World Cruising Club rallies have passed through out hands, some of them multiple times. We are all passionate about sailing and we are big fans of the unique rally opportunities offered by the WCC’s programme of rallies. They provide a fantastic platform for sailors who want to sail far, with great seminars and events including the Bluewater weekend which is an annual event hosted jointly by the WCC and Berthon.

This year, Berthon Scandinavia’s MD, Magnus Kullberg, is taking part in his 3rd ARC aboard Najad 511, WEIR KRAKEN. Magnus and her crew have previously made the crossing from Gran Canaria to St Lucia in a very respectable 14 days and they hope to match if not better their personal best in 2022.

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Why do yachtsmen love the ARC so much?

The ARC is a unique event where sailors be they professionals, families or couples, can take on the challenge of crossing the Atlantic Ocean as part of the WCC family. Rally goers are cruising in company, with the re-assurance that other ARC sailors are making the voyage with them. For those who haven’t sailed across the Atlantic before, the November ARC from Gran Canaria to St Lucia is a brilliant and fun way to make that first crossing.

Yachts and crew start to arrive in Las Palmas anything up to 2 weeks prior to the event. During this time, there are a number of social events, sundowner drinks and dinners, as well as informative talks and seminars. It is a great time to catch up with old friends, make new ones and to learn a bit more about what lies ahead from the WCC crew and those who have done it before. The strong team atmosphere on the pontoons is uplifting, with everyone helping each other out to get the fleet fully prepared and swapping top tips and stories.

The World Cruising Club’s safety experts visit the ARC fleet, ensuring that all yachts are properly prepared and equipped and that crews are well versed on what to do in an emergency.

By the time you reach the start line, you feel surrounded by good friends, well supported and ready for the off!

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ARC 2022

The ARC 2022 will depart Las Palmas on 20th November. Hoping for fair trade winds, the ARC fleet will be heading for Rodney Bay, St Lucia, with crews motivated by the promise of Caribbean sunshine and beaches, and of course the local rum!

Once in St Lucia, the ARC fun continues, with a welcome party, cocktails, live music, expeditions and lectures. St Lucia and the Caribs are wonderful winter cruising grounds, encouraging many to stay on for Christmas and continue their cruising with friends old and new.

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ARC 2023

If you plan to join the ARC next year, Berthon International and the World Cruising Club would be delighted to help you with your preparations. Together we host an annual Bluewater Weekend at Berthon’s Lymington HQ. We offer a series of informative seminars on bluewater cruising topics such as how to choose the right boat and how to prepare your yacht for live aboard. There are hands on demonstrations and of course fabulous hospitality. The Bluewater Weekend has been a virtual event for the last two years, run as ‘Cockpit Conversations’, but we hope this will take place in real time in 2023, so do look out for the 2023 dates which will be confirmed early in the new year.

To learn more about the ARC, our World Cruising Club Bluewater Weekend and Cockpit Conversations, go to https://www.worldcruising.com/.

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Your Local Brokers, Internationally

More Important Links for Bluewater Enthusiasts

• Bluewater Yacht Sales Specialists –  https://www.berthoninternational.com/yacht-sales-brokerage/bluewater-specialists/.
• Berthon International – All-round Specialists in Bluewater Cruising Yachts – https://www.berthoninternational.com/berthon-blog/berthon-international-all-round-specialists-in-bluewater-cruising-yachts/.
• Ocean Cruising Club – https://www.oceancruisingclub.org/.