Entries now open for ARC Channel Islands 2019
by World Cruising Club 9 Feb 2019 10:07 UTC
ARC Channel Islands - Beowulf - Channel sunset © World Cruising
We are pleased to announce that entries are now open for ARC Channel Islands 2019 and once again the rally promises to be a unique mix of preparation advice and support from a lead boat, combined with a cruise-in-company and social activities ashore.
Crews joining ARC Channel Islands will receive the peace of mind of being part of an organised event; enjoying social and sightseeing activities with others in the fleet along with time to independently explore.
The entry fee includes all berthing for the duration of the rally, satellite tracking of each yacht, the support of a lead boat with Hamble School of Yachting and World Cruising Club staff on hand throughout the rally. Aside from the focus on safety and support, there is a comprehensive social programme encouraging the camaraderie between crews to quickly develop during the rally.
Click here to request an information pack with full details.
About the rally
Haslar Marina in Gosport will host the start of ARC Channel Islands 2019 with a social programme as well as boat safety checks, passage planning guidance and a Skippers' Briefing. Throughout the route there is the familiar mix of social sailing, get-togethers ashore and the reassurance that the lead boat is there to guide and assist. On board, the team including a senior instructor from Hamble School of Yachting are there to help, encourage and check plans, as much or as little as crews want.
"The benefits we derived from taking part in the rally were enormous." said previous participant Stephen Richardson, of Hallberg Rassy 312 'Midnight Wanderer'. "Passage planning and navigation skills were enhanced, and there was a sense of achievement in ticking off the marks as we went down Little Russel, and succeeding in picking out the lights as we approached Portsmouth on return. The daily briefings from the lead boat were not directional, but helpful nonetheless, and the YB Tracking unit allowed us to keep track of all the boats in the fleet."
The Rally Office will open on Wednesday, 14 August, before the fleet slip their lines (weather permitting) on Saturday 17 August from Haslar Marina. Framed with the offshore cross-Channel legs, the route explores some of the highlights of Cherbourg, Jersey, Guernsey and Alderney, with the opportunity to change crew along the way. The rally ends back in Gosport following a night sail on Monday 26 August.
Click here for the full itinerary.
ARC Channel Islands Preparation Seminar
18 May 2019 Save the date!
ARC Channel Islands participants (the skipper and at least one crew member) are recommended to attend the comprehensive Preparation Seminar held at Hamble School of Yachting on Saturday 18 May.
The seminar will be an ideal opportunity to see how your preparations for the rally are progressing, with plenty of time still available to take on board tips and advice from experienced cruisers. The seminar also provides an opportunity to meet your fellow ralliers! Time to socialise with other crews is planned during the day, and the World Cruising Club team will be available to answer any questions you may have. More details about the programme will be available on the website and in the newsletters leading up to the seminar.
The seminar will be open to all and online registration will be available shortly.