ARC+ 2026: Three CATANA Catamarans, Three Stories, One Atlantic Ocean

In Gran Canaria, preparations are turning long-held cruising plans into reality. Boats are checked, watch schedules are organized, final provisions are loaded and safety inspections are completed. After several seasons sailing in the Mediterranean, the Atlantic Ocean is the next horizon for these three CATANA crews.

Their stories and sailing experience may differ, but each arrives at the start of the Atlantic Rally for Cruisers Plus (ARC+) with a plan that has been taking shape for years. For Mark and Shelly Buckner, the voyage continues an adventure that began in 2023. For Andrea and Sabina Salerno, it marks the beginning of a journey around the world. For the owners of Wild Child, it brings a new dimension to a lifelong passion.

VelaVie, CATANA Ocean Class 50: From Cargo Aviation to Bluewater Cruising

Before sharing the helm of VelaVie, CATANA Ocean Class 50 hull No. 20, Mark and Shelly Buckner already shared a professional world: aviation. Both cargo aircraft pilots, they first met when Shelly was Mark’s flight instructor.

Their shared passion for the sea gradually developed into a life-changing project. In 2023, they decided to take the plunge and purchase a CATANA catamaran to begin their adventure. A change of course they like to describe with a touch of humor: “From Whales to Sail.”

For two years, the Mediterranean became their cruising ground. They took the time to get to know their Ocean Class 50, establish their routines on board and enjoy life from one anchorage to the next.

Now, their sights are set further west: crossing the Atlantic aboard their CATANA and reaching Florida, with the ARC+ marking the first major stage of their journey.

One particularly important crew member is also coming along: Shneider, their dog, who shares their cruising lifestyle. Given his advanced age, Shelly jokes that he might even qualify for a Guinness World Record as the oldest dog to cross the Atlantic!

The claim remains to be verified, but the anecdote captures the spirit of their adventure: every member of the crew is part of the journey, Shneider included.

Fluke, CATANA Ocean Class 50: Sharing a Journey Around the World

For Andrea and Sabina Salerno, owners of Fluke, CATANA Ocean Class 50 hull No. 24, the ARC+ departure builds on years of sailing experience.

Andrea previously sailed a 14-meter monohull before moving on to a catamaran with a strong focus on performance. For this new chapter, he wanted to go further and, above all, share the experience fully with his partner Sabina.

Neither the monohull nor the pursuit of pure performance matched the way she envisioned life at sea.

Choosing the CATANA Ocean Class 50 allowed them to bring their expectations together: retaining the sailing qualities Andrea values while enjoying a living environment suited to long-distance cruising as a couple.

Their goal now? To sail around the world aboard their catamaran. Nothing less!

After taking delivery of Fluke in July, they spent the season sailing before stopping in Tunisia to prepare the boat for the next stages of their journey. Their arrival in Gran Canaria marks another milestone: the beginning of their Atlantic adventure.

For the crossing, six people will make up the crew, joined by Neo, their Staffordshire Bull Terrier. Just like aboard VelaVie, the dog is very much part of the adventure.

A possible stopover in Miami could provide an opportunity to catch up with Andrea and Sabina this winter, during the boat show, before they continue their journey around the world.

Wild Child, CATANA 53: A Twenty-Year Dream and an Atlantic Crossing for Two

Aboard Wild Child, a CATANA 53, the story began long before the catamaran was purchased.

Its owner, an American farmer specializing in pistachio production, had dreamed of owning a CATANA for more than twenty years.

That dream eventually became reality when he and his wife acquired CATANA 53 hull No. 14, the final boat built in the series before production ended.

For approximately three years, the couple has sailed extensively throughout the Mediterranean. Those seasons gave them time to become familiar with Wild Child, refine their routines and build up miles together before taking on their next challenge.

For the ARC+ 2026, they have chosen to cross the Atlantic as a crew of two.

Both experienced sailors, they will handle all watches, maneuvers and daily life aboard themselves. Their crossing is built on years of experience together and an intimate knowledge of their catamaran developed through their Mediterranean voyages.

After more than twenty years dreaming of owning a CATANA, followed by several seasons sailing their own, Wild Child is now heading offshore.

ARC+ 2026: From Gran Canaria to the Caribbean via Cape Verde

These three stories reveal the human side of an Atlantic crossing. Beyond the preparations and the nautical miles ahead are personal encounters, life choices and a shared desire to experience the sea — as a couple, with a crew and, on two of these catamarans, with a dog on board.

In Gran Canaria, final preparations are coming to an end. For VelaVie, Fluke and Wild Child, the next chapter is the ARC+ 2026, a transatlantic rally sailed in two stages, stopping in Mindelo on the island of São Vicente, Cape Verde, before continuing across the Atlantic to the Caribbean.

After approximately four days at sea, the crews will return to the docks, where the CATANA team will be waiting to welcome them in Mindelo.

There will be plenty of opportunities to share their first stories from the crossing, discuss life aboard their catamarans and reconnect before setting sail once again.

The rest of their stories will unfold mile by mile. We will follow all three crews and share news of their adventures, from departure to their arrival in the Caribbean.

Fair winds to VelaVie, Fluke and Wild Child!

And you, where will your next adventure take you? Let’s talk about your next bluewater voyage aboard a CATANA.