The Cruising Rally Association (CRA), best known as the organiser of the annual Caribbean 1500 Rally from Hampton VA to the British Virgin Islands, and World Cruising Club (WCC), organisers of the Atlantic Rally for Cruisers (ARC), from Las Palmas de Gran Canaria to Saint Lucia, are joining forces to become the largest global organisation dedicated to the sport of passage-making.   

Cruising Rally Association has organised ocean sailing rallies and seminars for 21 years under the leadership of President and Founder Steve Black. "We are excited to be joining with the World Cruising Club whose size and international reputation will help ensure the long term continuation and success of the events we have worked for years to establish."   With the addition of the Caribbean 1500 and its companion rallies and seminars to the WCC portfolio of sailing events, World Cruising Club expands its reach into North America.  

Managing Director Andrew Bishop added, "Our combined events will provide more opportunities for cruising sailors wishing to sail offshore in company, while strengthening safety standards and procedures and facilitating the sharing of knowledge and experience amongst cruisers. "    

In addition to the ARC now in its 25th year, World Cruising Club organises the ARC Europe transatlantic rally which includes a US start; the trans-Biscay Rally Portugal; and the biennial round the world rally, World ARC. Cruising Rally Association operates the Atlantic Cup from the BVI to Bermuda as well as the Caribbean 1500. Both organisations offer seminars to assist participants preparing for offshore passages.

World Cruising Club's website www.noonsite.com is a global resource for cruising sailors, unique one-stop website providing essential information on all maritime nations of the world.   Black, a veteran trans-oceanic single handed passage-maker, plans to continue his work with WCC and to continue cruising and racing aboard his 42' Simonis designed sloop. Future CRA rallies will continue to be organised and run from the combined organisation's US office, providing continuity and support for American participants.For more information on future rallies and seminars, visit www.carib1500.com and www.worldcruising.com