Sunday marked the start of the renowned Atlantic Rally for Cruisers organized by the World Cruising Club.
Yachts from 30 countries will take part in the trans-Atlantic crossing from Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (Canary Islands) to the Caribbean destination of St. Lucia. The 2,700 nautical mile passage on the northeast tradewinds route takes between 14 and 21 days.
The ARC entry list stands at 230 boats, the majority of which are sailed by family and friends on the adventure of a lifetime. Of the fleet, Swan is well-represented with 19 Swans taking part ranging from the Swan 40 Storm Svale to the Swan 80 Berenice.
ClubSwan member Manfred Kerstan will be taking part in the 2012 edition of the ARC with his Swan 62 Albatros. This will be his 18th ARC, his first trans-At crossing was in 1986.
“I am especially looking forward to this event as I have won it three times already,” Kerstan said. “Now I want to be the first man to sail in 20 ARCs, as I plan to do about another five or six years.”
Click here for information and click here to follow the ARC fleet online.
