A total of 233 entries including 105 British boats have signed up for the 2006 ARC which starts from Las Palmas on 26 November.

This annual 2,700-mile rally to St Lucia, taking the north-east tradewind route, has become the most popular way to cross the Atlantic taking on average between 12 and 24 days.

The event is open to cruising monohulls from 8.23m to 25.91m (27-85ft) LOA and cruising catamarrans from 8.23 – 18.29m (27ft to 60ft) LOA, with a minimum crew of two. The World Cruising handicap is used to calculate results in the cruising classes, in which motoring is permitted. A racing class, rated under the IRC System, is run for those wanting more a competitive crossing, under the auspices of the Royal Ocean Racing Club. Yachts in this class may be sponsored. Motor yachts can also participate in the ARC in a separate division.

Conceived as a friendly race for cruising yachts to make the Atlantic crossing both safer and more enjoyable, participating yachts must carry a range of safety equipment including a liferaft, EPIRB and VHF radio. Daily radio nets contribute further to the safety of participants. The presence of experienced sailors is another incentive for those with little offshore experience.

To follow the event, log on to yachtingworld.com’s dedicated ARC microsite which will be going live within the next couple of weeks. As well as regular event updates there’ll be exclusive coverage from some of the competitors who’ll be sending regular logs of their crossing.