The ARC Baltic rally has returned after a six-year absence, with a fleet of cruising yachts completing a 1,000-nautical-mile voyage through some of northern Europe's best-known cruising grounds.
Organised by the World Cruising Club, the rally began in Kiel, Germany, on 5 July and finished in Stockholm Archipelago, Sweden, after visiting Germany, Denmark, Sweden, Estonia, Finland and the Åland Islands.
Crews experienced a mix of offshore passages, historic ports and guided shore excursions, with the final days blessed by sunshine after varied weather throughout the month.
Stops included the Hanseatic city of Stralsund, Denmark's island of Bornholm during its annual Sildefest harbour festival, and the UNESCO World Heritage city of Visby on Sweden's Gotland island.
Northern Glow — A colourful sunset settles over a Baltic harbour as ARC Baltic participants enjoyed some of Scandinavia's finest cruising destinations. Photo: Danielle Lavoie
The fleet also visited Gotska Sandön National Park before sailing on to Tallinn and Helsinki, where participants received local cruising advice from experienced Baltic sailors.
For Flo Cromheecke-Zipper aboard the catamaran SkipperZipper, Helsinki proved to be the highlight. "The places we visited were so amazing – Helsinki was my number one," she said. "We made so many friends, and we know we will keep in touch."
Following an offshore passage to Mariehamn in the Åland Islands, crews enjoyed several days of independent cruising before regrouping for a waterfront dinner. The rally concluded in the Stockholm Archipelago, where participants gathered for a barbecue at a secluded anchorage before a farewell dinner at Bullandö Marina.
Danielle Lavoie, who sailed aboard Ice Bear before joining SkipperZipper, praised the atmosphere throughout the event. "Everyone has been so welcoming, and I have made lifelong friends," she said. "The ARC Baltic was so well organised, and it was simply an amazing experience."
Ryan Clarke aboard Fuzzy Duck said the social side of the rally had been a standout feature. "The rally was really good. The social side has been fantastic, and everything has been really well put together and thought through," he said.
Jake Bloom aboard the Moody 41DS Makani Olu said the rally had introduced him to cruising grounds he might otherwise never have explored. "I loved exploring the Swedish Archipelago," he said. "If it wasn't for ARC Baltic, I don't think we would have come here."
Rally Arrival — The yacht Makani Olu arrives in the Stockholm Archipelago after completing the ARC Baltic rally through northern Europe's spectacular cruising grounds. Photo: Danielle Lavoie
Despite periods of challenging weather, organisers described the event as a successful return for one of the Baltic's best-known cruising rallies.
