On Saturday, January 9, 30 boats headed out of Rodney Bay, St. Lucia, on a 26,000-mile journey around the globe with the World ARC. From their first stop in Santa Marta, Colombia, the fleet will then head through the Panama Canal and on to the Galapagos and South Pacific. Some rally participants plan to only go as far as Australia, and more will join the rally there in time for its second half, which leaves Darwin in September 2016.
After stops in the Indian Ocean, the boats will be in South Africa for the holidays and Brazil for Carnival before completing the loop back in St. Lucia in April 2017. The international fleet represents 18 countries, and the boats range from a 36-foot Albin Stratus to an Oyster 62, along with 12 catamarans.
Interested in the adventure? Entries are open for the next edition of the World ARC, which heads out from St. Lucia next January. Track the fleet — or sign up! — at the World Cruising Club website – worldcruisingclub.com.
