Rolly Tasker Sails Canary Islands are very happy to be involved in the Viking Explorers Rally that brings together a small group of yachts for their Atlantic crossing. Other than the hugely popular ARC (Atlantic Rally for Cruisers), this is more of a family affair. Only 25 boats and their crews join together for this rally. According to the organisers, it is more individualistic than a major event such as the ARC which brings together hundreds of boats and even more crew.
The Viking Explorers Rally across the Atlantic started on Sunday 10th of December, as usual since 2018 on the second Sunday of December, with seminars and parties. An international fleet of 25 boats ranging from 34ft to 76ft and 80 crews from The Netherlands, United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, Sweden, Germ
any, Switzerland, United States, Italy, Spain, Canada, Norway, Denmark, Ireland and Latvia, gathered at the Conference Hall at the Club Maritimo Varadero, in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, on the Canary Islands.
The first seminar was the Safety Seminar “What If”. This is only one of many, as for the next two weeks many further seminars will take place. Topics are Provisioning, Weather or Tricks and Tips for the Caribbean, among others.
After these two weeks, participants will have a Christmas break and will gather again on the 4th of January. At a Skippers Briefing, participants will decide together with the organisers if it is safe to leave as scheduled on January 6th , depending on the weather. The fleet will then set sail for Port Louis Marina in Grenada in the West Indies, with an alternative stop-over in Mindelo, Sao Vicente, at the Cape Verde Islands.
The Viking Explorers have become an interesting alternative to the ARC. It is a non-competitive event, a 2,700-nautical-mile sailing adventure that takes participants from the Canary Islands to Grenada via Cape Verde Islands. With a fleet that is limited to just 25 boats, this rally aims to maximise safety and the camaraderie among the fleet.
Giuseppe della Volpe of Rolly Tasker Sails Canary Islands provides all vital sailmaking services for yachts that are preparing for an Atlantic crossing. He is very happy to be involved as a sponsor with the Viking Explorers Rally: “We share the same values with regards to providing quality and the best possible customer service”, he said. His services range from checking and repairing existing sails to providing all new sails and other canvas work such as dodgers and biminis.
