Rally Update 4: July

Hello fellow sailor

Preparations for the adventure of a lifetime continue...

With just six months to go before the start of World ARC 2027-28, this is a vital stage in your preparations before the Rally. The last Rally Update email was packed with useful information about people and crew, and this edition focuses on the boat and equipment.

Don't forget that all previous updates are available in the Members Area of the website.

This Rally Update contains:

Key dates
Advice from previous participants
Maintenance and repairs
Berthing costs
Shop for World ARC clothing
Noonsite
White Dot sailing

If there is a topic that you have a question about, please don't hesitate to ask us, or take a look through the Rally Handbook - there's lots of useful information in there!

If you have any questions, please contact Martine and Emma in our Cowes office mail@worldcruising.com or +44 (0)1983 296060

We'll see you soon!

Paul, Suzana and the Team

World Cruising Club

World ARC 2026-27 Fleet at anchor in Nuku Hiva

Key Dates

From now	Download the Rally Handbook from the Members Area
From now	Online shop open for World ARC rally-branded clothing
1 September	Last date for balance of boat entry fee and core crew fees
30 September	All boat and core crew details must be complete
November onwards	Register with SailClear.com for clearance into Saint Lucia for Caribbean starters
8 November	ARC+ starts
22 November	ARC starts
9 January 2027	World ARC 2027-28 starts: Saint Lucia to Panama
7 September 2027	Darwin to Lombok start
15 April 2028	Parade of sail and final prizegiving in Saint Lucia

Advice from Previous World ARC Sailors

Crew

The right mix of skills is important - inexperienced friends on a long passage may be extra stressful, or may bring new conversations and social fun to your watches.
Think about how you like to sail. Some skippers prefer keeping the crew small for the long crossings and have friends join for cruising the islands.
Get the number right - 6 to 8 people is a lot of mouths to feed and personalities to manage.
If you need additional crew, consider back-up plans in case their plans change.
Do a shakedown sail with new crew so you get to know each other before a long passage.
oceancrewlink.com is a good way to find crew if you don't have friends and family available.

Money

An average monthly budget could be US$5,000 to cover subsistence, eating out and excursions, depending on your crew size and lifestyle.
Carry US$3,000 in cash (notes) when you arrive in the Caribbean - this will be used in the Caribbean and Panama, by which time you'll have a better feel for your costs.
Having a supply of small denomination US Dollars and local currency onboard is always useful - many islands are cash economies.
The airtime budget for mobile phones, Starlink and Iridium (etc.) will depend on your data requirements, but could easily be US$500-US$1,000 per month.
A maintenance budget of 10% of the boat's value isn't unreasonable.
Keep the receipts for your warranty, but don't obsess over the costs - this is the trip of a lifetime!

Top Tips

Download and save equipment instructions and manuals so they're easily available.
Buy an electrical multimeter and learn how to use it.
Keep equipment choices simple.
Replace old gas cylinders before leaving home.
Laptops don't always last a circumnavigation - back up on external hard drives.
Always carry extra spares - especially impellers!
High-output solar panels are a good investment.
Downwind sails - Parasailor or twin foresails are a good option.

Repairs & Maintenance

Sailing around the world has been described as 'mending your boat in exotic locations'. The boat

and systems will be in constant use and that means more wear and repairs. For example, you'll

probably motor more than expected - 100 hours isn't unusual for an ocean crossing. This means

more fuel and oil, but also more regular servicing.

New Equipment

Buy a full set of spares, with extras for more 'consumable' parts.
Test every new item before departure, including alongside other boat systems.
If possible, watch the equipment being installed or serviced so you know what should be done.
Get a training session with an expert/specialist before you leave your home port. This is more useful than trying to read the manual or watch a YouTube video!

Scheduling Maintenance

The Caribbean and South Africa are the unanimous choices for the best places for maintenance and repairs, both for value for money and quality of work.
Don't forget that you will be in South Africa during the holiday season when many companies close between Christmas and New Year.
French Polynesia, Fiji and Australia are worth considering, especially as boats have more time in these areas during the independent cruising periods.
It can be easier (and cheaper) for crew flying out to join the yacht to bring spares than to try to get them shipped.
Engineers will generally use your spares (filters, impellers, oil etc) rather than providing new parts, so carry a good quantity for emergencies and maintenance.

More information: Download the Maintenance info sheet

Berthing Costs

The World ARC boat fee includes three days complimentary berthing before the start of every scheduled sailing leg (not independent cruising period).

Alongside the 42 days/nights of complimentary berthing during the Rally, we will aim to secure additional discounted or free berthing, but this depends heavily on local support and circumstances.

Additional nights and all costs for water, electricity, rubbish/garbage and service charges are not

included in the rally fees. More information on facilities plus indicative prices are available in the

Rally Handbook section 3 Local Information, and will be provided at every skippers' briefing.

Dock space is available in ports in Saint Lucia, Panama (both sides of the Canal), Tahiti, Fiji, Vanuatu, Australia, Mauritius, Reunion, South Africa, Namibia, Brazil and Grenada.

Mooring balls are used in Bora Bora, Niue, Tonga, Fiji, Lombok and Christmas Island.

It is anchoring only in San Blas, Las Perlas, Galapagos, Marquesas, Tuamotus, Tanna, Cocos (Keeling) Islands and St. Helena.

Order your World ARC apparel

The World Cruising Club shop is now open!

Shop for a wide range of high-quality garments to give you a physical reminder of your adventure which will last for long beyond the end of the Rally.

All of our clothing is fully personalised, so you can include your boat name and bring your crew even closer together with matching gear.

Visit our online shop

Prepare with White Dot sailing

The biggest preparation challenge in the final months before departure isn't finding more jobs, it's knowing you've done the right ones.

White Dot Sailing, helps participants of World Cruising Club rallies make confident decisions before departure, so you can:

Prioritise the jobs that matter the most when time is short
Ensure crews are trained in MOB recovery and manoeuvres
Avoid expensive last-minute purchases before the start of the Rally
Ensure you feel confident that nothing has been overlooked

Trusted by over 120 owners with World Cruising Club rally preparation, White Dot Sailing are established Bluewater Preparation Specialists.

All World ARC crews are entitled to a no obligation consultation with White Dot Sailing. Get in touch to find out more or to book your free call.

When preparing for an overseas voyage, route planning, job lists and departure deadlines can make it easy to leave paperwork until the last minute. Having the right documents in place and securely backed up is essential for smooth international cruising and stress-free clearances.

There’s often more documentation required than expected. Get ahead by using Noonsite’s comprehensive guidance on cruising formalities and essential documents.

Noonsite members enjoy exclusive access to a practical guide and cruising paperwork checklist. Use the World ARC discount code NOONARC26 to receive a free document wallet, helping keep your paperwork organised, secure and ready to present to authorities.

Start enjoying the benefits of Noonsite membership today.