can we help
+44(0)1983 296060
+1 757-788-8872
tell me moreJoin a rally

Menu

Carib1500



The longest-running ocean crossing rally in North America, the '1500' is a must-do for many cruisers. The ARC Caribbean 1500 fleet sails from the Chesapeake Bay to Nanny Cay on Tortola, British Virgin Islands. The start port and dates make the most of the available weather to maximize your Caribbean sailing, and our week-long pre-departure program will get you relaxed and ready for cruising.

Without a doubt the most difficult part of getting to the Caribbean is timing the weather window before departure. Fall on the East Coast is squeezed between late summer hurricane season and early winter gale season. By joining the 1500, you can rest assured that the ‘experts’ are there to take the pressure off of that decision. Our support team consists of professional ocean sailors working closely with our weather forecasters at WRI to ensure the fleet makes it across the Gulf Stream and into warmer waters in the best possible conditions.

What’s included:

Before you even get to the start, we help with your preparations by providing a comprehensive Rally Handbook and regular newsletters, and we’re here to help you find crew and answer your questions by phone or email.

From Time of Registration:
● Rally Handbook, including local info and ocean sailing tips
● Access to World Cruising Club’s extensive online resources for offshore sailing

At the start
● 2 free nights dockage
● Welcome Pack
● ARC Caribbean 1500 boat flag
● Safety equipment inspection
● Lecture program (Gulf Stream crossing, rigging, weather, provisioning, first aid)
● Safety demonstration (live flare and life raft demonstration)
● Comprehensive social program nightly
● Skippers’ Briefing
● Welcome Party
● Farewell Party

Spring Cove Marina offerings:
● 30 days or more boat dockage discount
● 50% off on short haul for bottom cleaning
● 10% off yard invoices
● Partnership with chandlery for discounted products
● Quantum Sails (5% discount through specific supplier)
● Free pump out at the slip


On passage at sea:
● Float plan filed with USCG and Virgin Islands Search & Rescue (VISAR)
● Position reporting
● Radio net
● Daily weather forecast sent by email
● Tracking of yachts, including loan of a satellite tracker
● Display of positions on ARC Caribbean 1500 event website

In Nanny Cay:
● Welcome on arrival
● Assistance with clearance
● Local tourist information
● Full social program nightly
● ARC Caribbean 1500 awards ceremony
● 2 days free docking at Nanny Cay on arrival


RALLY NEWS

Caribbean 1500 - Update.
29/06/2022

World Cruising Club regret to announce that we are not able to run the ARC Caribbean 1500 rally this year (2022). Unfortunately, our US based partners are unable to help us run the rally this year, and without local support we cannot offer the quality event that people expect from a World Cruising Club rally.We are still running all our popular transatlantic routes, ARC and ARC Europe, and our... Click here for more info..

ARC Caribbean 1500 2021 - Open for Entries.
18/08/2021

Thinking of sailing south this autumn? Come and join the fleet as we head off towards the warmer climates of the Caribbean!North America's longest running sailing rally will start from the Chesapeake Bay at Spring Cove Marina, Solomons MD. The rally supports crews with their pre-departure preparations by holding a series of seminars and social activities before the start, allowing participants... Click here for more info..

Get Set for November 2021!.
30/07/2021

It has been a frustrating year for us all, stuck at home, unable to reach our boats and shut out from our favorite sailing destinations. But now we can announce that the '1500 is back, so get ready to sail south again this fall!World Cruising Club is committed to helping sailors get down island again this season - we might not know where just yet, but it will be warm and in the Caribbean... Click here for more info..
More news stories

Search Boat Logs..
Search


24/10/2019

FreeWill - test

This is FreeWill read more...

27/11/2018

Happy Heart - HAPPY HEART BEAT by CORINNE WESELOH

Well, we finally did it! After being deterred by Hurricanes Irma and Maria in 2017 followed by Florence and Michael in 2018, we tossed the lines to experience a passage that I could not have imagined.Our poor MS. Happy Heart has yet to receive her read more...

09/11/2018

Mira - SV Mira Blog #2 - Mahi Drought on MIRA is over!!

Tuesday, November 6 - the afternoon, evening and night brought continued calming of the weather. More stable winds, wave and current. Sailed with full main and genoa with winds 15-20 knots from the S-SW all afternoon and evening. Still 2.3 knots of read more...

08/11/2018

Saga - Day 5-Sapphires

A friend of mine used to work in a national park in the Caribbean. Among other things, she was charged with making sure people didn't remove things from the park as souvenirs. No taking shells or coral home with you. So, when she saw a tourist with read more...

07/11/2018

Saga - Day 4 - Getting Our Sea Legs

Getting your sea legs truly is a real thing. Today is day 4 of our voyage and we finally all have our sea legs. I have always heard that the first three days of a passage are the worst, and it played out that way this time.Our first 2 days were read more...


More Logs...
TESTIMONIALS
We sold our house, bought a boat and entered the ARC Bahamas as a way to get us started on our cruising dream. We are a family of three, traveling with our 12 year old son. The WCC seminars in Annapolis and Portsmouth really helped to prepare us and our boat for that first big step into cruising. The checklists and safety inspections gave us the confidence we needed for an offshore trip. Thanks to the WCC we have a whole network of cruising friends to help us keep cruising in safety and style.
Matt Gillman, sy Troubadour
We want to express our deepest appreciation for all the many efforts of the staff of the World Cruising Club, having just completed three amazing weeks of our first Caribbean 1500. The week of preparation was exactly what we needed to make our boat ready for the ocean passage that followed. Although the passage was exhilarating and challenging, with lightning storms and high seas, we felt prepared, and never unsafe. The memory of storms, rain, and exhaustion quickly faded, replaced by memories of the majesty of the ocean, wind, and starlit skies. The week of celebration in Nanny Cay was a perfect way to deepen the friendships made and to make improvements on the boat based on our experience of the ocean passage. Each of your staff was knowledgeable, engaging, and helpful, but special mention must be made of the team of Andy and Mia who cheerfully shared their passion for sailing, and who consistently went out of their way to ensure that all of us had a great experience.
Merrill Brown, sy Serenity






FEATURES
World Cruising Club

COVID-19 Cruising Community Updates

Over recent weeks, the global spread of COVID-19 has impacted the cruising plans of many and the rapidly evolving situation leading to regular changes to long-held intentions. As sailors, we should never be afraid to change route and improvise. At sea you always have to adapt to the weather and wind direction and if your planned route does not work with the weather forecast, simply change it.... more info


More features