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ARC Atlantic Crossing – Canary Islands to Saint Lucia
ExpeditionAll LevelsSpain & LC - Europe
2 Dates
From £7,495 GBP
Join Ninja Penguin Adventures for an unforgettable Atlantic crossing as part of the world-famous ARC (Atlantic Rally for Cruisers). Departing from the Canary Islands and sailing west across the Atlantic to Saint Lucia, this is a true bluewater adventure offering hands-on offshore sailing experience aboard a capable cruising yacht. Crew will take part in watch systems, sail handling, helming, navigation, weather routing, night sailing, and daily life at sea while crossing one of the world’s great ocean passages. Expect trade winds, ocean swells, spectacular sunsets, flying fish, dolphins, and the unique rhythm of long-distance ocean sailing. This is an expedition-style voyage designed for adventurous travellers and aspiring offshore sailors seeking authentic Atlantic crossing experience rather than luxury cruising.
Cross the Atlantic with the ARC as part of the crew on a boat that's a proven great vessel for this rally.
UK-based sailing venture focused on offshore passages, coastal exploration, and real-world adventure at sea. Run by a hands-on sailing family, we document and share the realities of life afloat — from passage planning and seamanship to discovering remote anchorages and new coastlines. Our approach is practical, experience-led, and grounded in cruising rather than racing. Whether crossing open water or exploring closer to shore, Ninja Penguin is about building confidence, embracing the elements, and seeing the world from the deck of a boat.
A seriously capable Bowman 57, ambitious routes and a very down-to-earth approach make their trips feel like the sort of sailing people talk about wanting to do, then actually end up doing.
Crew join Ninja Penguin in Las Palmas, Gran Canaria, ahead of the ARC Atlantic Rally departure. The days before departure are an important part of the experience and give crew the opportunity to settle onboard, meet the team, prepare the yacht, and immerse themselves in the unique ARC atmosphere. Activities during this period may include: * Offshore safety briefings * Watch system training * Sail handling practice * Provisioning and passage preparation * ARC seminars and events * Crew dinners and social events * Final yacht checks and preparations * Exploring Las Palmas and the marina village This preparation phase allows crew to build confidence, become familiar with the yacht, and experience the excitement of one of the world’s most famous offshore sailing rallies before departure
Departure day for the ARC is one of offshore sailing’s great experiences. Hundreds of yachts gather outside Las Palmas Marina before crossing the official ARC start line and heading west into the Atlantic. Crew aboard Ninja Penguin will take part in departure preparations, watch handovers, sail setup, and the excitement of joining the fleet as the crossing begins. Leaving the Canary Islands behind and turning west into the open ocean marks the true beginning of the Atlantic adventure.
Life at sea quickly settles into the rhythm of offshore passagemaking. Crew become active members of the working team, taking part in: * Offshore watch systems * Helming * Sail changes * Navigation * Weather routing * Night watches * Daily yacht operations Expect trade winds, rolling Atlantic swells, flying fish, dolphins, incredible sunsets, star-filled skies, and the unique experience of living at sea during a true ocean crossing.
Rodney Bay Marina in Saint Lucia marks the finish line of the ARC Atlantic Rally and the completion of one of the world’s classic ocean crossings. After weeks at sea crossing the Atlantic under trade winds, crew arrive in the Caribbean surrounded by warm weather, tropical scenery, and the unique atmosphere of the ARC finish celebrations. Rodney Bay offers a memorable and rewarding conclusion to an unforgettable offshore sailing adventure.
Beginner
No sailing experience required. Perfect for newcomers.
Intermediate
Some sailing experience helpful. Comfortable on the water.
Advanced
Significant sailing experience required. Challenging conditions.
Active Crew Member
Full participation in all sailing activities.
Optional Involvement
Participate as much or as little as you like.
Passenger
Sit back and enjoy the ride.
Yes
Sharing the cooking & washing up
18
This is a full offshore Atlantic crossing involving continuous ocean sailing for approximately 2–3 weeks. Crew will live onboard full time and actively participate in the running of the yacht throughout the passage. The experience includes: * Offshore watch systems * Night sailing * Ocean navigation * Sail handling and reefing * Weather routing * Helming under varying conditions * Teamwork and passage living This is a challenging but rewarding bluewater sailing experience suitable for adventurous crew prepared for extended time at sea and variable offshore conditions.
Your specific vessel is assigned based on your selected dates. All vessels meet our high standards for comfort and safety.
Bowman - 57
LOA: 57ft (17.37m)
Rent a set of waterproofs for your trip.
Save on packing space… includes sleeping bag liner that you can take home and reuse.
16-23°C
Mild temperatures, increasing sunshine.
26-32°C
Hot and sunny with thermal winds.
18-25°C
Warm weather, excellent sailing conditions.
10-16°C
Mild but variable. Some sailing possible.
16-23°C
Mild temperatures, increasing sunshine.
26-32°C
Hot and sunny with thermal winds.
18-25°C
Warm weather, excellent sailing conditions.
10-16°C
Mild but variable. Some sailing possible.
Tried and tested sailing experiences, from our pick of the world's best operators
All our trips are led by qualified skippers and sailing instructors
We only work with the most reputable sailing operators and yacht providers
Perfect for solo sailors looking to join a crew or groups wanting to charter
Our team is on-hand 24/7 to help you before, during and after your adventure
From £7,495 GBP per person
Prices shown in USD are approximate conversions, using today's conversion rate. This trip is priced by the operator in GBP and payment will be taken in GBP.