#cruisingrally – Three Irish yachts are among over 280 boats and 1400 people, including 25 children aged under 16, will take part in the 28th Atlantic Rally for Cruisers, which sets sail on November 24 from Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, heading 2700NM across the Atlantic to Saint Lucia.
From Ireland Peter Boylan's Annabella, a Sweden Yacht 45 compete in the cruising division as does the Dufour 34 Shelduck skipperd by Neil Hegarty. A third Irish yacht, Wizard, a Beneteau Oceanis 50 skippered by Brendan Cahill is also entered.
For the first time in the rally's history, there will be two routes available: 50 boats will sail via the Cape Verdes to Saint Lucia, setting off 2 weeks ahead of the main group taking the direct route.
As always, the ARC fleet represents almost every principle sailing nation. This year so far we have boats registered in Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, UK, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, New Zealand, Poland, Portugal, Spain, Switzerland, Sweden, USA and 10 other nations, making 31 in total. ARC crew crossing the Atlantic this year are aged from 22 Months to over 70 years.
