This week, the Atlantic Rally for Cruisers (ARC), the premier global sailing event, celebrated its 40th anniversary with a special ceremony honoring the crucial role played by agency partners and corporate sponsors in driving the event’s success over the years.
The presentation took place at the Saint Lucia Tourism Association (SLTA) base in Rodney Bay, where key partners and representatives from leading businesses on the island came forward to affirm their commitment to this year’s event, scheduled to launch on November 23 with the annual Flotilla.
Key agency partners recognized include SLTA, IGY Rodney Bay Marina, and Events Company of Saint Lucia (ECSL).
Minerva Ross, Marketing and Public Relations Officer at ECSL, welcomed the attendees with a strong reminder that the ARC has become an integral Saint Lucian tradition.
“The Atlantic Rally for Cruisers (ARC) is a cornerstone of our island’s cultural fabric, marking 37 years of hosting and celebrating its 40th edition,” Ross declared.
“Congratulations to the World Cruising Club (WCC) for this remarkable milestone—40 years of ARC and 37 years for us in Saint Lucia,” she said.
Since 1980, Saint Lucia has welcomed cruisers from around the world, driven by adventure, community, and the island’s trademark hospitality, Ross added.
“For nearly three decades, our corporate sponsors have been fundamental in ensuring that the ARC remains a celebrated gathering,” she noted.
Ross emphasized, “Their support transforms every arrival into a celebration. The value of sponsorship has grown significantly across production, accommodation, transportation, fuel, media, commodities, and a wide range of services.”
Petr Cozier from WCC reiterated the undeniable impact of corporate sponsorship in making this event possible. “Without your support, we couldn’t deliver the quality programs our participants expect,” she stated.
“After crossing 27,000 nautical miles of the Atlantic Ocean, our participants are ready to celebrate, and you are the driving force behind making this two-week event extraordinary,” Cozier added.
With 150 boats and nearly 1,000 crew members from 38 countries participating, this year’s ARC is poised to be a thrilling event, enhancing brand visibility not just locally, but internationally as well.
Sean Devaux of IGY highlighted that cruisers spend over three weeks in the region, sailing from island to island, and stressed the importance of expanding regional marketing strategies.
Loraine Sidonie from ECSL noted that multiple agencies collaborate to manage the ARC events, spearheaded by the Ministry of Tourism, emphasizing that safety is a top priority.
Chris Gustave, representing SLTA, expressed pride in celebrating this iconic event, which stands as one of the island’s most significant tourism-related attractions. He asserted that the ARC represents more than just sailing; it embodies a global narrative of courage and adventure, delivering significant “economic benefits to our communities.”