ARC Channel Islands Rally; New Route for 2018
Following two successful editions ARC Channel Islands,
entries are now open for this summer's rally which features a new route for
2018 with Dartmouth as the start port.
Run in association with RYA Active Marina, the Rally is
popular with cruising sailors for its unique mix of preparation advice and
support from a lead boat, combined with a cruise-in-company and social
activities ashore. The aim of ARC Channel Islands is to give cruisers the
impetus and encouragement to extend their cruising horizons, whether as a first
offshore voyage; perhaps a first time double-handed cruising; or sailing with
young children, or experiencing crossing the Channel at night. "The friendships we made on the rally
will hopefully last a lifetime," said Geoffrey Higginbottom
who sailed on Tessa Jane,
his Bavaria 39 with the 2017 edition alongside wife Sheree, daughter Florence
and two friends. "We
definitely have lots of happy memories and ARC Channel Islands has increased
confidence in our sailing abilities - we certainly have an appetite to venture
further next year."
Announcing the South West Edition
2018 will see the first 'South West Edition' of ARC Channel
Islands, starting from Darthaven Marina, Dartmouth with a social programme as
well as boat safety checks, passage planning guidance and a Skippers Briefing.
The Dartmouth Yacht Club are supporting the new South West edition, which will
run in alternate years with the South Central route from Gosport, offering the
chance for West Country cruisers to benefit from the rally organisation.
The route of this summer's rally has been modified to suit
the course from Dartmouth, with landfall after the Channel crossing at Guernsey
replacing Cherbourg. This new route also allows for the inclusion of Jersey to
the route, before heading back across the Channel from Alderney.
Throughout the route there is the familiar mix of social
sailing, get-togethers ashore and the reassurance that the lead boat is there
to guide and assist. On board, the team including a senior instructor from
Hamble School of Yachting are there to help, encourage and check plans, as much
or as little as crews want.
"The
benefits we derived from taking part in the rally were enormous."
said Stephen Richardson, of Hallberg Rassy 312 Midnight Wanderer who sailed with the first
edition of the rally in 2016. "Passage
planning and navigation skills were enhanced, and there was a sense of
achievement in ticking off the marks as we went down Little Russel, and
succeeding in picking out the lights as we approached Portsmouth on return. The
daily briefings from the lead boat were not directional, but helpful
nonetheless, and the YB Tracking unit allowed us to keep track of all the boats
in the fleet."
The rally office will open on Thursday 9 August, before the
fleet slip their lines (weather permitting) on Saturday 11 August from
Dartmouth. Framed with the offshore cross-Channel legs, the route explores some
of the highlights of Guernsey, Jersey and Alderney, with the opportunity to
change crew along the way. The rally ends back in Dartmouth following a night
sail on Sunday 19 August.
Entries are open
Due to space restrictions, ARC Channel Islands is limited to
25 boats and places will be allocated on a 'first come, first served basis'. It
is anticipated that the rally to be popular and encourage those interested to
enter early to secure their place.
Full details including pricing, rally benefits and links to
the conditions of entry and safety equipment requirements are available in the
ARC Channel Islands Information Pack. To request a copy, please visit www.worldcruising.com and select Tell Me More, or
contact World Cruising Club on +44 (0) 1983 296060, or email mail@worldcruising.com
You can also visit the ARC Channel Islands website www.worldcruising.com/arcchannelislands