The ARC (shorthand for Atlantic Rally for Cruisers) was established by Jimmy Cornell in the 1980's, and the 2013 ARC will be the 28th edition of this annual rally.  The original idea was to offer a degree of competition, logistical support and above all security to yachtsmen seeking to cross the Atlantic (often for the first time).  Before setting off, yachts would assemble in a port, with all necessary support services available (rigging checks, advice on safety, provisioning, weather, routing etc), and crews would meet in a convivial social environment during the days leading up to departure.  The greatest advantage of crossing the Atlantic in company with other yachts is the 'comfort blanket' reassurance of knowing that there are other boats no more than several hours away should a serious problem arise at sea. The formula has proved hugely successful, and for the past few years the ARC has been oversubscribed.  In 2013, for the first time, the ARC has been supplemented by the ARC+ - an additional 42 boats have already sailed from Gran Canaria and are currently stopping over in the Cape Verde islands before making the crossing to St Lucia.

The ARC proper starts on Sunday 24th November.  236 yachts (including 22 multihulls) will sail from Las Palmas, bound for St Lucia - a distance of some 2800 nautical miles (although with the effects of wind and currents the actual distance sailed will inevitably be greater).

1,400 people are due to make the crossing in 2013, with ages ranging from 22 months to 70 years.  31 different nationalities are represented - with 94 entries the UK ARC fleet is by far the largest, followed by the Germans (37 crews), French (20), Australians (13) and so on.   There are several Irish crews taking part, so the craic will be good!  The ARC is not a race as such, although there is a racing division (28 entries) - the remaining 218 boats are entered in the cruising division (there is a healthy spirit of friendly competition here too with each yacht given a handicap and results calculated at the finish).  I suspect my skipper may be quite competitive.  The official start on Sunday lunchtime off Las Palmas can be quite congested (see below), although after the first day or two at sea it is quite rare for ARC yachts to see one another, as the boats are swallowed up in the enormity of the Atlantic. Not literally, of course...

Cornell also created the World Cruising Club, which took over running the ARC in 1998.  The success of the ARC formula has led the World Cruising Club to establish several alternative ARC rallies - including the Caribbean 1500, ARC Baltic, ARC Europe, ARC USA and the World ARC (for those attempting a full circumnavigation). http://www.worldcruising.com/index.aspx

I'm now looking forward to getting to Las Palmas, flying out from Gatwick early on Wednesday 20th.  It will be good to meet up with David, Sally and the other crew members, and to spend some time on Alcedo before Sunday's start.  I am also hoping to meet up with the crew of Pollux - the smallest yacht in the racing division.  This crew (Antoine Gloanec and Chloé Gautier) are from my home port of Erquy in Brittany.