The starting signal was given in Kiel on 5 July. From there, the flotilla – organised by the British World Cruising Club (organiser of the ARC and the World ARC, amongst others) – set course for Stralsund, Bornholm, Gotland, Estonia, Finland and the Åland Islands, before finally reaching Bullandö in the Stockholm archipelago. Around 1,000 nautical miles lay between the start and the finish – a mix of coastal and offshore legs, with the longest leg being the approximately 200-nautical-mile passage from Bornholm to Visby.
But the ARC Baltic is far more than just a string of nautical miles. In Stralsund, the crews immersed themselves in the history of the Hanseatic League during a guided tour. On Bornholm, the Herring Festival awaited them in Hasle, featuring music, local specialities and that warm Danish hospitality which instantly lifts your spirits, even after a night’s sailing. Visby welcomed the sailors with medieval walls, winding alleyways and a dinner beneath historic vaulted ceilings.
Nature experiences and cultural highlights
One of the most memorable moments, however, took place far from the big cities: on Gotska Sandön. This remote Swedish island – a national park and natural paradise in one – offered endless sandy beaches, tranquil pine forests and a wilderness of a kind that has become rare in densely populated Europe. A place where the wind smells of salt and the forest, and where time seems to stand still for an evening.
In Tallinn, the medieval Old Town was explored, whilst in Helsinki many participants enjoyed city life by the water. Local experts also gave the crews valuable insights into the Finnish archipelago. For Flo Cromheecke-Zipper from the catamaran crew of the “SkipperZipper”” Helsinki was the highlight: “The places we visited were incredible – Helsinki was my favourite. We made so many friends.”
An unforgettable finale in the Stockholm archipelago
After the leg to Mariehamn, there was time for some independent exploring before the fleet reconvened in the Åland Islands for a group dinner. The finale took place in the Stockholm archipelago: smooth granite cliffs, warm summer air and a barbecue organised by the rally crew at a secluded natural mooring. Between sunset and the final conversations, we took stock – of the miles sailed, the changeable weather, minor challenges and, above all, new friendships.
As we bid farewell in Bullandö, it was clear what makes this rally so special: carefully planned stages, fascinating destinations and the comforting feeling of not being alone on the road. Jake Bloom from “Makani Olu” summed it up perfectly: “I love the Baltic Sea!” And Ryan Clarke from the “Fuzzy Duck” was particularly full of praise for the sense of community and the flawless organisation.
The ARC Baltic 2026 has impressively demonstrated that the Baltic Sea is a first-class sailing destination for the summer – varied, steeped in history and full of surprising natural experiences. Anyone who’d like to know what this trip was like should take some time to browse the photo gallery: it tells the story of white sails against deep blue water, medieval harbour towns, tranquil islands, lavish feasts and that special glow that only a successful sailing trip can leave behind.
About the World Cruising Club
The World Cruising Club was founded in 1987 by Jimmy Cornell – following the success of the first Atlantic Rally for Cruisers in 1986. After two changes of ownership, the company is now run by Paul and Suzana Tetlow, supported by a small, dedicated team in Cowes (UK). At the events, they are supported by a wider network of the well-known ‘Yellow Shirts’. Among other things, the WCC organises the following rallies:
- ARC: From Gran Canaria to Saint Lucia. The rally was first held in 1986 and attracts more than 150 boats every autumn. The ARC is the only rally to feature an IRC classification for racing yachts.
- ARC+: From Gran Canaria via Cape Verde to Grenada. The rally was first held in 2013; the fleet comprises around 100 boats.
- ARC Europe: From Sint Maarten to Bermuda, on to the Azores and finally to the finish at Marina de Lagos on the Portuguese mainland. The rally was first held in 2000 and involves around 30 boats.
- World ARC: A 26,000-nautical-mile round-the-world yacht race starting and finishing in the Caribbean. The first World ARC took place in 2008 – building on the success of the Europe Rallies. It is held annually and lasts around 18 months. Participants may take breaks along the way.
- ARC Portugal: The first ARC Portugal took place in 1995. The rally crosses the Bay of Biscay and then continues in daily stages along the Portuguese coast to the finish in Lagos.
- ARC Baltic: The rally returned this year and offers around 1,000 nautical miles of spectacular cruising through the Baltic Sea. The route starts in Kiel and ends in Bullandö, Sweden.
Pascal Schürmann
Editor YACHT