The organisers of the Atlantic Rally for Cruisers (ARC), through the World Cruising Club, have donated food supplies for 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.
This annual gesture is made possible because crews, after preparing extensively for the annual crossing from the Canary Islands, often arrive with more provisions than they need. Rather than letting these supplies go unused, organisers ensure they are redirected to families and institutions that can benefit most.
“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,” Director of the World Cruising Club Paul Tetlow said. “We therefore organise for those mariners to gift their overstocked provisions to charities and other worthy causes.”
The decision to direct the food items to the families of the boys was facilitated through Peta Cozier, the local focal point for the ARC in Saint Lucia, following consultations with the Army Winehouse Foundation, a philanthropic organisation 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.
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, 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, Leanna Wallace, expressed appreciation to the ARC organisers and participating mariners for their thoughtful contribution. “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,” she said.
Wallace also welcomed the opportunity for direct interaction between 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.
2025 marked the 40th edition of the ARC overall and the 35th time the event has finished in Saint Lucia.
