We did our Atlantic Crossing with ARC Sailing (Atlantic Rally for Cruisers). ARC is run by the World Cruising Club. It provides support, education, safety measures and a way for sailors to all make the journey at the same time. The route that we took was from Gran Canaria, an island off the west coast of Africa, to St Lucia in the Caribbean.
In November, my husband, daughter and three crew left Las Palmas, Gran Canaria. We then sailed 2800+ miles and ended our journey in the Caribbean on the island of St Lucia. We encountered high seas, calm seas, dolphins, fishing stories (mahimahi, tuna and more). And also had laughs, tears, breakages (one stanchion, a sail, AIS and more), and parties. Additionally, we had a halfway party, a make your own hat party, and loads of amazing sunsets and rises.
The ARC Sailing experience was a monumental experience
I’m not sure what I loved best about the trip? The amazing crew, the peacefulness of the sea or the knowledge that I didn’t need to be anywhere, do anything or think about my past or future. I felt so present. My state of being was simple. But the lead up to our ARC sailing experience was anything but peaceful.
In this video you’ll meet the crew, get a glimpse into the servicing we did before we left, the social aspect to joining the ARC Sailing for the crossing and our test sail.
ARC Sailing Experience – Before We Leave
What’s Next?
- In the next article, I managed to post hours before leaving land. Check out Crossing The Atlantic Ocean From Gran Canaria.
- The previous article is Preparing to Sail Across The Atlantic Ocean
- Click here for a general overview of our Atlantic Crossing
Would you like to read more than just our ARC Sailing adventure?
Our Atlantic crossing is in my book ‘Changing Lifestyles – Trading in the Rat Race for a sail around the world!‘ The book is almost 400 pages long and details our life on land before we sold up and sailed away, our transition from living on land to living at sea, our voyage around the Mediterranean, Atlantic Crossing and our sail up the Caribbean. It’s a great book for anyone that has ever dreamed of sailing around the world. Check it out.