A new Transatlantic rally between the Canaries and the Caribbean has been launched by Sailing Rallies Ltd. The Christmas Caribbean Rally is a well organised rally which leaves Marina Rubicón, Lanzarote on the 16th December 2013. Participants will sail 2850 miles to the popular Jolly Harbour marina, Antigua, spending Christmas and New Year at sea. Open to boats between 6.4m and 23m, the ‘all- inclusive’ boat entrance fee, includes a huge discount package (for example on berthing and chandlery), a free preparation weekend, and even a free embroidered polo shirt for each crew member.
Wisely, the rally leaves the Canaries in mid-December when the trade winds are likely to have become well established and the risk of hurricanes and tropical storms is very low. The timing also allows participants to complete the crossing over the Christmas holiday period allowing children or working friends and family to join in. During the crossing boats will be in contact with each other via HF radio/sat phone nets and spectators will be able to follow the boats using GPS trackers linked to the new, integrated website.
There is a comprehensive social schedule in Lanzarote and Antigua, with special emphasis placed on getting involved in local communities and events on each island. Special events for children are also included in the entrance fee. A cleverly thought through rally ‘membership card’ which is valid until the end of May 2014, allows those cruising the Caribbean after the rally to access yard discounts in Antigua and Grenada and includes 7 free nights berthing in the beautiful Port Louis Marina in Grenada.
The comprehensive web site is easy to use and bookings for 2013 are now being taken. For those planning further ahead, you can also book for the rallies in 2014 and 2015 giving security to your future plans.
Marina Manager of Jolly Harbour Marina Festus Isaac says ‘We are delighted that Sailing Rallies has chosen Antigua and Jolly Harbour Marina as the destination for their rally for the next three years. We look forward to welcoming the boats and their crews and will be sure to give them a warm Antiguan welcome. With all of the events we have in the Antigua and Caribbean yachting calendar, there will be plenty to keep the boats occupied during the spring, and for those who simply want to cruise our beautiful islands, we have wonderful cruising waters straight out of the marina’.
