CRUISING

In November 2025, Spirit C72s Anima II and Elvis embarked on the ARC (Atlantic Rally for Cruisers).

Attracting approximately 150 yachts looking to cruise across the Atlantic every year, the ARC starts from Las Palmas in Gran Canaria and finishes in the famous Rodney Bay, Saint Lucia, in the turquoise blue waters of the Caribbean.

Having launched within two years of each other (2022 and 2024 respectively), Anima II and Elvis make a pretty pair. Both yachts are Spirit C72s, designed for cruising adventures and occasional regatta racing,
with Anima II also available for charters.

Their owners are similarly outgoing, adventurous, and passionate about being on their yachts – they even wear the same trainers.

At the 2025 Spirit Med Cup regatta, the owner of Anima II, Christian Hentschel, commented, “I met Cameron (owner of Elvis) about five years ago. He visited our yacht when it was in build at Spirit Yachts, and I liked him from the beginning – a very nice chap. And there are a lot of similarities between Elvis and Anima. It was a natural friendship from the beginning because of having the same boat. And actually, we even wear the same shoes, so that’s quite funny for me. Having somebody like that sailing with you, like-minded people, and the same boats, it cannot be better.”

Since launch, both yachts have notched up significant cruising miles – Elvis’ owners spend 50% of their time onboard the yacht and their log reached 100,000nm during the ARC. Prior to the ARC, Anima II had covered over 35,000nm across Europe. Having explored the Mediterrean, both owners felt it was time to broaden their horizons and head west to the Caribbean for the winter. The ARC felt like the natural choice.

Owner of Elvis, Cameron Stewart, explains, “The ARC effectively started for us after the Spirit Med Cup in Palma Mallorca at the end of October. We had 1,400 nautical miles of sailing just to get to the ARC start line. With little wind, we motor-sailed out of the Mediterranean to Gibraltar. After a 3-night stop in Gibraltar for fuel and provisions, we were into the Atlantic sailing again, initially with our asymmetric then a broad reach averaging 8.5 to 9kts all the way to the Canary Islands.

“We didn’t have much to sort on the boat before the start of the ARC so we focused on provisions and parties before the rally began. A big part of the event is the socialising on each side of the Atlantic and we made many new friends – we had a ball before we left and when we arrived.”

Running since 1986, the ARC offers the opportunity to complete an ocean passage with the reassurance of 24-7 support. Before departure, the ARC team provides guidance and events on safety, how to prepare for the trip, maintenance, and communications, amongst others. Outside of the logistical support, the ethos of the ARC is centred around camaraderie and friendship, with lots of opportunities to meet like-minded people from different backgrounds and sailing abilities.

Peter Gilmore from the World Cruising Club (WCC), organiser of the ARC, commented, “This year, we were delighted to see two Spirit yachts take part in the 40th edition of the ARC. Elvis and Anima II are both beautiful boats and their crews brought life and energy to the fleet.”

Cameron elaborates on life onboard Elvis, “The event itself began in very light winds. At the start line we found ourselves surrounded by what seemed like 50 boats many within touching distance. Elvis, despite her 72ft, is light and fast so we actually crossed the line with the engine on and in reverse to avoid sailing up the stern of the Oyster yacht in front of us.”

The ARC is split into Cruising and Racing Divisions – both Spirits were sailing in the Cruising Division, which allows them to use their engines for propulsion, charging batteries, or running water makers, especially in light wind conditions, or for safety. Motoring hours must be logged and declared at the finish, when appropriate time penalties are applied to give an overall finish time.

Reflecting back on the crossing onboard Anima II, Christian comments, “After a busy four seasons in the Mediterranean chartering and taking family trips, we decided to expand our horizons and take Anima II across the Atlantic. The sense of freedom on an ocean crossing is like nothing you can find elsewhere – a real connection with the sea and a chance to switch off from daily stresses. We constantly had 25-30kts of wind for the first nine days and nights with waves between 4-5m. Anima II is an amazing yacht and even at 15kts down the waves she was safe and reliable like Swiss clockwork.”