The start of the ARC+ 2026 transatlantic cruising rally, which includes Ireland's Cara of the South, has been postponed by three days after forecasts of strong south-westerly winds and possible gales around the Canary Islands prompted organisers to delay the fleet's departure from Las Palmas de Gran Canaria.
World Cruising Club has moved the planned start of the first leg to Cape Verde from Sunday, 8 November, to Wednesday, 11 November, although the revised date remains subject to further weather assessments. As Afloat previously reported, the Irish-registered 10.67-metre Tradewind 35 Cara of the South is the smallest yacht entered in the 2026 rally.
Atlantic Weather Systems Disrupt Departure
Two low-pressure systems are threatening to bring unusually unsettled conditions to the Canary Islands, replacing the more typical northerly winds expected at this time of year.
World Cruising Club meteorologist Eric Holden said a large area of high pressure north of Britain was blocking the jet stream, forcing Atlantic low-pressure systems further south-east than normal.
A deepening depression near the Azores is forecast to bring strengthening south-westerly winds towards the Canaries on Saturday, followed by a cold front on Sunday, with gale-force winds possible.
A second depression could bring further gales around the middle of next week, although its timing and intensity remain uncertain. Organisers will continue monitoring the forecasts before confirming the fleet's departure.
Safety Takes Priority
World Cruising Club managing director Paul Tetlow said the postponement followed extensive discussions with the event's meteorologist.
“The decision to delay the start of ARC+ is not something we have taken lightly, but ultimately the primary concern of World Cruising Club is the safety of our participants,” he said.
Skippers remain free to depart independently before the revised start date and will continue to receive the rally's normal at-sea support if they do so.
The delay is considered relatively minor within the event's six-week programme, with organisers hoping more favourable conditions will allow the fleet to make good progress once underway.
Following the first leg to Mindelo in Cape Verde, the rally will continue across the Atlantic on a 2,150-nautical-mile passage to Grenada. The wider ARC and ARC+ programme was previewed by Afloat in October.
