The 8th Edition of the Viking Explorers Rally kicks off at Marina Las Palmas, Canary Islands
by Oliver Solanas 12 Dec 2024 11:48 UTC
8 December 2024
The Viking Explorers Rally started its 8th edition on Sunday, December 08, 2024, in Marina Las Palmas. Since its inception in 2018, the rally has traditionally begun on the second Sunday of December with a blend of seminars and social events.
As usual, the rally was already fully booked with 25 boats early in the year, but after some cancellations and changes the sign up for this year closed with an international fleet of 22 boats, ranging in size from 40 to 66 feet. A diverse crew of 84 sailors representing 22 countries, including the Netherlands, Germany, Italy, Switzerland, Portugal, Sweden, United Kingdom, Poland, Philippines, Belgium, Greece, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, Sweden, United States, Italy, Canada, Norway, Denmark, Ireland and Lithuania, gathered in the Conference Hall at Club Marítimo Varadero in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Canary Islands.
Managing Director Oliver Solanas Heinrichs officially welcomed the participants, inviting each crew to take the stage and introduce themselves to their fellow sailors. Many had already become acquainted through the rally's virtual "Online Get-togethers" held in the months leading up to the event. The introductions were lively and emotional, setting a warm tone for the rally. Carlota Texeira Saavedra, PR and Viking Explorers Europe Manager, handed out the Welcome Packs to the crews. Mareike Derks from Seven Star Yacht Transport also extended a welcome on behalf of the company.
The first seminar, The Safety Seminar "What If," focused on safety and marked the beginning of a series of informative sessions planned for the following days. This important seminar is based, not only on the World Sailing Offshore Regulations, but also on the information obtained from other sailors throughout the years. Other seminars will include Provisioning, Weather and Satellite Communications, among others.
After a break, participants gathered for the official Viking Explorers family photo. The group spirit was already evident, as sailors mingled with a shared goal: crossing the Atlantic together in a safe and closely-knit fleet. Over the next two weeks, participants will enjoy a mix of seminars, social gatherings, dinners, and spontaneous pontoon parties—like the one that emerged after the first day of seminars on Sunday, sponsored by Seven Star Yacht Transport.
Following this two-week program, participants will take a Christmas break before reconvening on January 4, 2025, for the important Skippers' Briefing. At this crucial meeting, the group will decide, in consultation with the organizers, if weather conditions are suitable for departure on January 6. Once under way, the fleet will sail towards Port Louis Marina in Grenada, with an optional stopover in Mindelo, São Vicente, Cape Verde.
The Viking Explorers Rally has quickly become a popular alternative for Atlantic crossings. This non-competitive event spans 2,700 nautical miles from the Canary Islands to Grenada, offering a unique and personal experience for sailors crossing the Atlantic. Limited to 25 boats, the rally prioritizes safety, exceptional service, and fostering camaraderie among participants. An exclusive small fleet.
For more information, visit the official website: www.vikingexplorersrally.com