ARC Channel Islands Rally launch event

Laura Hodgetts

Join us at the Southampton Boat Show to find out more about the August 2016 cross-Channel cruise in company to Alderney, Guernsey, Jersey and Cherbourg.

Aspiring cross-Channel cruisers are invited to attend the launch of the new ARC Channel Islands rally this Sunday, 13 September, at the Southampton Boat Show.

Spaces are limited for the launch, which is taking place from 3.30pm until 5pm in the RYA lounge in the Holiday Inn, so be sure to register your attendance at http://tinyurl.com/ channelislandsrally

Rally experts World Cruising Club (WCC) have teamed up with the Royal Yachting Association (RYA) Active Marina programme and Practical Boat Owner to give cruisers the opportunity to join a fun and professionally organised rally to the Channel Islands in August 2016.

The new ARC Channel Islands rally is aimed at all boat owners and charterers wanting to gain more experience cruising further afield, as well as those wanting a social summer cruise.

Jeremy Wyatt from WCC, the world’s leading sailing rally specialists, said: ‘ARC Channel Islands follows on from the popular RYA Sail Cruise last run in 2011, offering a rally with a mix of preparation advice, support from a lead boat and RYA instructor, combined with a cruise-in-company and a great social atmosphere.’

ARC Channel Islands will start from Gosport Marina in August 2016 and involve a cruise in company to Alderney, Guernsey, Jersey and Cherbourg. Entry will be open to cruising boats with a minimum of two crew, and a passage speed of 5 knots.

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This Sunday’s public launch event will provide a chance to mix with like-minded sailors and to speak to experts from the WCC, the RYA and Channel Island harbours.

Visitors can enjoy refreshments, learn about the rally, first-time Channel crossings and what makes the Channel Islands so popular among UK sailors. Spaces are limited for this free event so be sure to register at http://tinyurl.com/ channelislandsrally

To celebrate the rally’s launch, leading chart publishers Imray are offering a set of Channel Islands charts and pilot books (worth £270) for a prize draw. Full details of the rally and how to win this prize will be revealed at the launch event.

Why take part?

Planning a passage to unfamiliar waters can be a daunting prospect, even for experienced sailors. The support and knowledge available to rally participants removes the stress, giving skippers and crew an extra confidence boost to make the trip. Most people take part in a rally for the security and peace of mind of an organised event, for the camaraderie and friendship, and for the fun of sailing in a fleet.

ARC Channel Islands is being organised in association with RYA Active Marina and with the support of PBO and Hamble School of Yachting.