The Atlantic Rally for Cruisers(ARC) is celebrating its 21st birthday this year in style. Billed as the ‘largest transocean race in the world’, it’s certainly living up to the tag, with an entry list that currently stands at 234 yachts from 27 nations.

Organisers the World Cruising Club(WCC) are currently gearing up for the departure of the ARC2006 fleet from Las Palmas de Gran Canaria on Sunday 26 November. The fleet’s destination is Rodney Bay Marina in St Lucia. The 2,700nm passage will take most of the yachts between 18 and 21 days.

Conceived and often described as ‘a friendly race’ for cruising yachts to facilitate an Atlantic crossing, safety is key. Before the race begins, seminars, safety briefings and workshops help to educate less experienced sailors and instil them with confidence for the trip. Participating yachts must carry a range of safety equipment includinga liferaft, EPIRB and VHF radio. Daily radio nets contribute further to crew safety.

Keep track of news and views from the race course throughout the race by visiting the official website at www.worldcruising.com/arc2006