Entries have now closed for this year’s Atlantic Rally for Cruisers (ARC). The 24th edition of this world-famous annual transatlantic rally has defied the economic doom and gloom, after the World Cruising Club has accepted 225 entries.

There are 28 countries represented in this year’s event that starts on 22 November in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. As befits the largest trans-ocean sailing event, every year the ARC brings together over 200 yachts from all over the world, and is without doubt the most popular way to cross the Atlantic.

The destination is the Caribbean island of Saint Lucia. The 2700 nautical mile passage on the NE tradewind route takes typically takes between 14 and 21 days and the fleet reaches its destination and the finish line in Rodney Bay.

Whilst fundamentally a fun rally for cruising yachts, the ARC does have a more serious Racing Division, run under the auspices of the Royal Ocean Racing Club (RORC). Yachts in the Racing Divisions are not permitted to use their engines for propulsion (unlike the cruisers), although use of autopilots is allowed.

Information on all World Cruising Club rallies is available at www.worldcruising.com .