ARC Channel Islands 2017 Rally launched

Laura Hodgetts
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Following the successful first edition ARC Channel Islands this August, World Cruising Club have announced that the rally will sail again in August 2017.

Cruisers from the 2016 rally joined with prospective 2017 sailors to discuss their adventures at the RYA Members’ Lounge at the Southampton Boat Show yesterday.

Run in association with RYA Active Marina, ARC Channel Islands got the “thumbs-up” from previous participants for its unique mix of preparation advice and support from a lead boat, combined with a cruise-in-company and social activities ashore.

ARC Channel Islands 2016 yachts in St Peter Port, Guernsey. Credit Clare Pengelly/World Cruising Club

ARC Channel Islands 2016 yachts in St Peter Port, Guernsey. Credit Clare Pengelly/World Cruising Club

The aim of the ARC Channel Islands Rally was 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 rally was brilliant! It was a chance to test ourselves in a safe and social environment.’ – Liz and Keith Hedges, Amy Clair

‘The rally is a great way of introducing oneself to the challenges of the Channel and the confidence that goes with it.’ – Keith Vicky Jack and Edward Faull, Mary Ann

‘Joining a rally meant that we undertook a voyage that I would have been very reluctant to contemplate six months ago. Being part of a rally made all the difference.’ Roni Hudson, Graseal

ARC Channel Islands Rally Leg 2 dolphins

About the rally

Haslar Marina in Gosport will host the start of ARC Channel Islands 2017 with a social programme as well as boat safety checks and a Skippers Briefing.

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.

Guy Malpas, RYA yachting development manager, said: ‘The RYA Active Marina scheme aims to help boat owners gain more from their boats, and the ARC Channel Islands really delivers on this point.

‘As the comments from the skippers demonstrate, this rally is an excellent opportunity for both novice and experienced sailors to hone their skills on a challenging but enjoyable passage.

‘We are pleased to be supporting this rally, and hope it is encourages more people to get afloat and use their boats.’

Entries Open in January

Detailed route and dates will be available from January 2017 when registration opens for the next rally.

Due to space restrictions, ARC Channel Islands is limited to 30 boats and places will be allocated on a ‘first come, first served basis’. Organisers anticipate 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, 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