The organizers of the Atlantic Rally for Cruisers (ARC), through the World Cruising Club, have made a meaningful donation of food supplies intended for the families of residents of the Boys Training Centre (BTC), ensuring that the benefits of the contribution extend beyond the institution and into the wider community.
Each year, for over three decades, approximately 150 yachts take part in the ARC trans-Atlantic crossing from the Canary Islands to Saint Lucia. In preparing for the demanding journey, participating mariners are required to stock substantial food provisions to ensure safety and self-sufficiency at sea. Upon arrival in Saint Lucia, many of these crews find themselves with surplus supplies that can be put to good use on land.
Director of the World Cruising Club, Mr. Paul Tetlow, explained that the donation forms part of a deliberate effort by ARC organizers to ensure that excess provisions benefit local communities rather than go to waste. “Each year we have about 150 boats crossing the Atlantic, and when they arrive in Saint Lucia, some have more food than they are able to use on their journey to the Caribbean,” Mr. Tetlow said. “We therefore organize for those mariners to gift their overstocked provisions to charities and other worthy causes. Today, we are at the Boys Training Centre to distribute some of those provisions and to meet the beneficiaries firsthand.”
The decision to direct the food items to the families of the boys was facilitated through Ms. Peta Cozier, the local focal point for the ARC in Saint Lucia, following consultations with the Army Winehouse Foundation, a philanthropic organization with a long-standing working relationship with the Boys Training Centre. It was agreed that the food supplies would be gifted to families as the boys return home for their annual Christmas break, providing timely support during the festive season.
Mr. Tetlow said the World Cruising Club had long been aware of the important work undertaken at the Boys Training Centre and expressed pride in being associated with the institution. However, he noted that the visit itself proved especially impactful, as both he and his colleague, Ms. Clare Pengelly, were genuinely struck by the scale and depth of the work being carried out at the Centre.
Manager of the Boys Training Centre, Ms. Leanna Wallace, expressed sincere appreciation to the ARC organizers and participating mariners for their thoughtful contribution. “We are extremely grateful to the World Cruising Club and the crews of the Atlantic Rally for Cruisers for this generous donation,” Ms. Wallace said. “These food supplies will go a long way in supporting the daily needs of the Centre, and more importantly, the gesture sends a powerful message to our young men that the wider community, including our international partners, cares about their well-being and development.”
Ms. Wallace also welcomed the opportunity for direct interaction between the ARC representatives and the residents of the Centre, noting that such engagement helps broaden the perspectives of the students and reinforces positive values such as service, responsibility, and global citizenship.
The initiative highlights the ARC’s commitment to responsible cruising and community engagement, reinforcing the rally’s longstanding relationship with Saint Lucia beyond its role as the Caribbean’s premier finishing port for the iconic trans Atlantic event.
2025 marked the 40th edition of the ARC overall and the 35th time the event has finished in Saint Lucia.
