The first boats in the ARC Europe fleet have arrived in Faial, Azores, after completing a demanding 1,800-nautical-mile Atlantic crossing from Bermuda. The passage formed the second leg of the World Cruising Club's multi-stage rally and tested crews with a mix of light winds, shifting weather patterns and complex routing decisions.
The fleet departed Bermuda on 21 May. Early progress was slow as light winds across the North Atlantic forced some crews to rely on engine power for longer than expected.
One yacht, Queen Bee II (GBR), began running low on fuel during the crossing. Fellow rally participant Dany (BRA) carried out a fuel transfer at sea, allowing the British yacht to continue its voyage.
As conditions improved, south-westerly winds helped the fleet make better progress towards the Azores. Daily weather forecasts supplied by organisers assisted skippers in navigating around the often unpredictable Azores High-pressure system.
Les Papillons arrives in Horta Marina, Faial, as ARC Europe crews complete the second leg of their transatlantic voyage from Bermuda to the Azores. Photo: José Macedo
Chris Eakin, skipper of Cadans, described the crossing as rewarding despite the challenges. "I feel fantastic," he said. "It's been hard work, but we've really enjoyed it, and it's great to be here."
Eakin said his crew avoided three gale systems by following weather advice and monitoring barometric pressure throughout the passage. "The weather was challenging with three gales blowing through, but we missed them all by being further south," he said.
With boats now arriving in Faial, crews can enjoy a shoreside programme that includes events at the famous Peter Café Sport in Horta and tours of several Azorean islands. Participants will visit Faial, Terceira and São Miguel, taking in attractions including the UNESCO-listed city of Angra and São Miguel's volcanic crater lakes.
Suzana Tetlow, Operations Director of World Cruising Club, praised the fleet's achievement. "All of the participants should feel incredibly proud about completing this leg of the Rally," she said. "Sailing across the Atlantic Ocean west to east is a feat achieved by only a small number of people."
The rally resumes on 13 June with an 875-nautical-mile passage to Lagos on Portugal's Algarve coast. The event concludes with the ARC Europe 2026 Prizegiving on 21 June after six weeks of sailing across the Atlantic and Europe.
