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.

In light of the COVID-19 global crisis restricting international travel and in the interest of protecting the health and wellbeing of all those involved, it disappointingly will not be possible for the 26th edition of ARC Portugal to take place in late May and June 2020 as planned.

Over the past fortnight, World Cruising Club has been liaising with host ports and participants hoping to sail this summer from the UK to Portugal’s Marina de Lagos. In the current conditions, it would be impossible to explore Galicia and Portugal in a safe and social environment and for participants enjoy the highlights of the region – the main reasons many choose to sail with the Rally.

With a bumper entry list attracting a diverse range of cruising yachts from across northern Europe, it is especially disappointing for all the crews now faced with changing their long-held plans to sail as part of ARC Portugal 2020.

With this in mind, World Cruising Club are working to propose a new schedule for the Rally which will be announced shortly.

by World Cruising Club