The celebrations on St Lucia were lavish these days. But we also shed a tear or two. After all, we had to say goodbye. From many dear friends. And of many great shared experiences. A total of 35 boats took part in the World ARC 2025-26, with 20 crews completing the entire circumnavigation. The others joined along the way. Others interrupted the tour around the world somewhere in the South Seas or Australia to spend a little more time there and then rejoin the next World ARC fleet.
A circle has come full circle
A good 26,000 nautical miles and over 25 stopovers in 18 different countries now lie behind the participants, who have now completed the final leg of the rally in St Lucia. They have come full circle. After crossing the finish line, Alison Farmer, who sailed on board the smallest boat in the fleet, the "Walrus", a Hallberg-Rassy 39, said: "When we crossed the finish line in St Lucia, we had mixed feelings. The overriding feeling was pride in the team and the boat and that we had completed this incredible journey.
The sailors crossed three major oceans in 462 days. "There were countless special moments during the journey. Night watches over the Pacific, when you look up at the stars and can see the bioluminescence in the water, are simply magical! But also all the different people we met in all the different places and being part of this fleet creates memories for a lifetime."
Every man for himself and yet never alone
On most legs, shortly after the joint start, everyone was soon sailing on their own. Visual contact with others was rare, but we kept in touch via short wave and satellite radio. In the next harbour, everyone came together again. Then there was time for a wide variety of activities, in the group or on their own.
The eleven nautical mile final sprint from Marigot Bay on St. Lucia to the IGY Rodney Bay Marina in the north of the island - including a detour to the harbour of the capital Castries - was then completed by everyone together. In a long parade, they travelled along the west side of St. Lucia before one boat after the other crossed the symbolic finish line.
"The best people in the world"
Jan Weustink, skipper of the "Mulan", was also delighted with their time together. He said: "I didn't expect there to be so much camaraderie among the sailors. If you look at the fleet, there are only good people here. These are the best people in the world!" And he also raves about the organisers. Weustink: "The World Cruising Club has been a great support. It takes a lot of the stress out of the preparations and travelling to the many countries, which means you have more time at all the stopovers."
At a concluding awards dinner, crews and several individual sailors were recognised for their contributions to the fleet. For example, for their technical support of other sailors or for their social commitment in the harbours.
Eight children under the age of 16 were also on board, while others took part for shorter periods of time. These young sailors in particular made memories for life during the trip. In a comparatively short time, they gained insights into a wealth of different cultures.
"The end of an epic adventure"
Paul Tetlow, Managing Director of the World Cruising Clubsaid: "The World ARC 2025-2026 awards ceremony marks the end of an epic adventure around the world and a sailing feat that few people ever achieve." He added: "Aside from the nautical miles travelled, memories will be made for a lifetime and friendships forged that will last far beyond the finish line in St Lucia."
As the sailors come from a wide variety of countries, the yachts will now set off in different directions to head for their respective home harbours. Or to set off on their next adventure.
It doesn't always have to be the world. How about an Atlantic passage to start with? Information and reports on the ARC:
- The allure of a shared adventure
- 40 years of ARC: The smallest boat sails under the German flag
- 40 years of ARC: "Much has improved. But something is missing!"
- 40 years of ARC: It's all in the mix
- The adventure of crossing the Atlantic: Why many things are better and easier today, but why something has been lost over the years.
- Atlantic crossing 40 years ago: Adventure report from the very first ARC
Pascal Schürmann
Editor YACHT
