The Viking Explorers Rally 2024 arrives in Mindelo
by Viking Explorers Rally 24 Jan 16:54 UTC
The fleet set sail from Las Palmas de Gran Canaria on the scheduled 6th of January and, as expected, it took a bit longer this year to reach the Cape Verde Islands, with the Atlantic Ocean playing its game.
The 25 boats of the Rally set sail to the Cape Verde Islands and after 6 days out at sea the first boats arrived, but for some it even took 7 days or even 8 to cover the 850 miles due to very light winds.
The fleet had time to organise a fishing contest and enjoyed their way south as they slowly reached the islands.
The fleet arrived safely in Marina Mindelo in São Vicente, and was warmly welcomed by Marlino from the Viking Explorers and the Marina Staff.
Marina Mindelo has been host for the VE rally since the beginning and the organization suggests to those crossing the Atlantic to stop here to check the boat, crews, to stock up and visit the island, before the bigger jump across the Atlantic.
It is a nice alternative to test your boat after leaving the Canary Islands and every year sailors thank the organisation for having chosen this stop.
During their stay, participants visited the market and surroundings of Mindelo and even had the opportunity to visit the neighbouring island of Santo Antão, which is completely different to São Vicente.
The Viking Explorers fleet enjoyed the famous Welcome Party at the floating bar, with music, food and drinks, and Jackie Gomes, Marina Manager and her right hand, Ivanice Estevao, welcomed the fleet to this part of the world. A great afternoon in a true Cape Verde style.
The departure scheduled for the 17th was discussed by many due to some strong winds but almost half of the fleet decided to leave, while others stayed in Mindelo for a few days, expecting an improvement in the weather.
As always, at Viking Explorers the departures are scheduled and organized, but it is the captain's decision to leave, weather permitting. The rally considers this prudent seamanship.
The first boats are expected to arrive by the end of January at Port Louis Marina.
The Viking Explorers have become an interesting alternative to cross the Atlantic. It is a "non competitive" Rally, a 2,700-nautical-mile sailing adventure that takes participants from the Canary Islands to Grenada via Cape Verde. The event, which was first held in 2018, has quickly become a very popular sailing event, attracting participants from all over the globe. Viking Explorers is an exciting exclusive rally with a maximum of 25 boats. With a reduced fleet the rally focusses in giving the best customer service possible and aims to maximize safety and the camaraderie between the fleet.
For more information about The Viking Explorers Rally, please visit: www.vikingexplorersrally.com