Please select your home edition
Edition
Cyclops Marine 2023 November - LEADERBOARD

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

Related Articles

Viking Explorers Rally stopover at Marina Mindelo
The fleet of 22 boats safely reached its first destination in São Vicente The fleet of 22 boats embarked on the 850-mile voyage south to the Cape Verde Islands, which took between 4 to 8 days to complete under exceptional sailing conditions. Posted on 21 Jan
The Viking Explorers Rally 2025 underway
The fleet sets sail across the Atlantic The eighth edition of the Viking Explorers Rally departed as scheduled, on January 6th from Gran Canaria, Canary Islands, towards the stunning shores of Grenada, the Spice Island of the Caribbean. Posted on 8 Jan
Viking Explorers Rally partners Island Cruising
Collaboration marks a significant milestone for both organizations The Viking Explorers Rally is excited to announce a new partnership with Island Cruising as an Official Partner for the upcoming rally seasons. This collaboration marks a significant milestone for both organizations. Posted on 4 Dec 2024
Spice Island Marine Services an Official Supplier
Viking Explorers Rally excited to announce a new partnership The Viking Explorers Rally is excited to announce a new partnership with Spice Island Marine Services as an Official Supplier for the upcoming rally seasons. Posted on 7 Oct 2024
Viking Explorers Rally celebrates success
Securing five-year sponsorship with main partners The Viking Explorers Rally proudly announces the renewal of its sponsorship agreement with key partners, the Grenada Tourism Authority and Port Louis Marina, Camper&Nicholson, for another five years. Posted on 4 Sep 2024
The Viking Explorers Rally arrives in Grenada
The spirit of the Viking Explorers award went to Matthias Hedlund The first boat to arrive at Port Louis Marina, after 13 days at sea, was Sy Jalemar, a Fountaine Pajot Elba 45, with captain Jaqueline Henshall, an impressive accomplishment after departing from the Cape Verde Islands. Posted on 13 Feb 2024
The Viking Explorers Rally 2024 arrives in Mindelo
It took a bit longer this year to reach the Cape Verde Islands 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. Posted on 24 Jan 2024
The Viking Explorers Rally on its way to Grenada
6 Multihulls and 19 Monohulls departed on Saturday For the 7th consecutive year the Rally departed as scheduled on the 6th of January towards the beautiful shores of Grenada in the Caribbean. With an intermediate stop in Marina Mindelo in the Cape Verdes, participants expected very light wind conditions. Posted on 9 Jan 2024
7th edition of Viking Explorers Rally kicks off
An international fleet of 25 boats gather in Las Palmas The Viking Explorers Rally across the Atlantic started this Sunday 10th of December, as usual since 2018 on the second Sunday of December, with seminars and parties. Posted on 12 Dec 2023
Mount Cinnamon sponsors Viking Explorers Rally
The resort is the perfect host for the rally The eco-luxe resort will be the event's headquarters for the next 3 editions of the rally. With its prime location on Grenada's southwestern coast and on the stunning Grand Anse Beach, the resort is the perfect host for the rally. Posted on 21 Nov 2023
GJW Direct - Yacht 2019 - FooterOcean Safety 2023 - New Identity - FOOTERNoble Marine 2022 SW - FOOTER