How can I get a berth on the ARC?

[slipknot]

I have found that I have the time to do the ARC this year, but despite registering on the Challenge Business website (along with many other similar folk....) I have not has any success.

I have logged over 12000 miles, YM, Com and Cruising instructor. 44 year old, healthy non smoker.

If anyone can suggest any ways of getting either a crew or mate position please send me a message.

Thanks all, any help is appreciated. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[stevebirch2002]

Friend of mine is on "OM SHANTI" They did the ARC last year and are doing it again this year.Bavaria 49 brand new last year. I know the berths have to be paid for unless you are trying to get a free berth? You should find their web site on google or such like.

 

[snowleopard]

The best chance is to get in early via their website. We took on 3 crew that way. If you're prepared to crew on passage to the Canaries you'll stand a much better chance. We asked prospective crew to spend a few days sailing with us around the UK to see if we got on and rejected any who refused.

A lot of people go to Las Palmas and walk the pontoons but that's chancy, many get left behind.

Face the fact that there are many more wanting to go than available berths. To be certain you'll have to pay, the going rate being £2k+

Most of the big commercial pay-berth boats have now transferred to the Rubicon/Antigua event.

 

[lyall]

I recommend taking the gamble as I did last year and booking a cheap flight over to Gran Canaria a couple of weeks before the start and walking the pontoons. There are a lot of people trying the same thing but drink in the right bars and chat to the right people and something will come up. A good poster campaign is also advisable, pin em up everywhere! At least you get to meet the boat/crew in person before you commit. I was taken on 4 days before the start of the ARC and loved it. Good luck.

Cheap basic room at Pension Falow - 13 Euros/night book via www.hostelworld.com

 

[cgull]

I think you may find that Challenge yachts cant do ARC this year ,(too big) but the alternative RAC event is what the WCC want the bigger boats to do. Theres`lots of ads on the World Cruising Clubs ARC site for crew vacancies
I did the ARC on a Challenge yacht, very good event.

 

[alanhanson]

be aware that last year a good number of boats had crew issues !
a lot was posted on the website after so the chances of a last minute pick up this year may not be so good.we had our crew in situ and test sailed by august.
if you already have not then maybe you could put what you are willing to pay in your web add header.
I am sure a lot of skippers dont answer as so many potential crew want a free ride which is not feasable for most boats.
i strongly suggest you test sail first.
we had one rejection last year who moved to another boat they also rejected them. they ended on a 3rd boat and i was told the trip did not go well
best of luck its a fantastic experience.
ps we will be looking for crew for arc europe 2006
alan

 

[snowleopard]

Is it the crossing you want or the ARC specifically? There's a poster asking for crew currently on this forum.

 

[BrendanChandler]

<font color="blue">Hi Alan,
I have done the Arc and this year am again doing the crossing from Canaries to Antigua.

I currently have one vacancy.

Please see the topic on this site for further details.

Brendan </font>

 

[Jeannius]

[ QUOTE ]
but the alternative RAC event is what the WCC want the bigger boats to do

[/ QUOTE ]

The RAC is no more. Everyone's back in the ARC