ANTIGUANICE YACHTING INSIDER NEWSLETTER

The notice of race has been released for the Antigua 2 Falmouth 2015 event, run by Sailing Rallies. Due to demand from boats at the end of the Caribbean sailing season wishing to return to the UK, this new event has been launched to give sailors a suitable high quality event. The race starts a week after Antigua Sailing Week, on 8th May 2015. The 3500nm route is split into two legs with a short layover in Horta (Azores) to allow skippers a chance to recover, re-stock and change crews before finally finishing in Falmouth in the UK.

Three boats have already entered, with Palpatine, a Stimson 42 being the first to kick off the competitive spirit. Owner Doug commented “We are the first to enter and we have every intention of being the first to finish!” Andy Middleton of Global Yacht Racing has entered the Beneteau 47.7, EHO1, “This brand new event has the potential to become a fixture in our calendar every year because it is timed perfectly with the end of the Caribbean racing season and offers an exciting route via the Azores. We have raced across the Atlantic many times before and our yacht has completed this exact route as a delivery passage before, so we are really looking forward to offering our customers a new event which we know can provide a real challenge to those who want to push themselves with a West to East Atlantic crossing.”

Palpatine by Doug Innes via www.sail-world.com

Becoming renowned for their high quality customer service and inclusive, friendly atmosphere they create, Sailing Rallies welcome all boats whether they want to race competitively or join the cruising division. John Simpson MD of Sailing Rallies commented “We have listened to the feedback from skippers who are looking for a west to east transat. They are looking for a high quality event which is well organised, well timed and accommodates the various international regattas. The Antigua 2 Falmouth fits the bill perfectly”

Sailing Rallies was set up two and a half years ago creating ‘a fresh approach to global sailing’ with a series of events providing a high level of personal service.  This December sees the second edition of their successful annual Christmas Caribbean Rally. The company also organises annual events in July to the Baltic with the Baltic 4 Nations rally, and has recently also launched a new event to the Spanish Rias, planned for 2016.  The Sailing Rallies programme of events and shore based forums held in the spring offers something to all sailors interested in long distance sailing.

The Notice of Race, entry requirements and safety requirements for the Antigua 2 Falmouth can be viewed on the website www.sailingrallies.com/antigua-2-falmouth and the deadline for earlybird entries is 28th February 2015. Sailors looking to crew should contact info@sailingrallies.com.