A new Transatlantic rally to sail between the Canaries and Antigua has been launched by Sailing Rallies Ltd.
To be known as the Christmas Caribbean Rally the rally will leave Marina Rubicón, Lanzarote heading towards Jolly Harbour Marina on the 16th December 2013.
Participants will sail 2850 miles spending Christmas and New Year at sea.
Entry is open to boats up to 23m, the ‘all- inclusive’ boat entrance fee, includes discounts on berthing and chandlery, a free preparation weekend, and an embroidered polo shirt for each crew member.
Unlike the ARC, another trans Atlantic rally now in its 27th year, this rally will 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 later 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.
Each rally entrant will be issued a ‘membership card’ valid until the end of May 2014. It allows those cruising the Caribbean after the rally to access board yard discounts in Antigua and Grenada and includes 7 free nights berthing in the Port Louis Marina Camper & Nicholson’s Marina inGrenada.
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, 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’