The Viking Explorers Rally 2024 has reached Camper & Nicholsons Marinas Port Louis Marina on the captivating Caribbean island of Grenada after extensive preparations.
Sailors initially convened in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Canary Islands, in December 2023 with the common goal of crossing the Atlantic.
Departing on January 6th, an international fleet of 25 boats ranging from 34ft to 76ft, carrying 80 crews from various countries including the Netherlands, United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, Sweden, Germany, Switzerland, United States, Italy, Spain, Canada, Norway, Denmark, Ireland, and Latvia, set sail for the Cape Verde Islands.
Following a stop at Marina Mindelo, the fleet undertook a journey of over 2000 miles across the Atlantic Ocean. 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.
Upon their arrival in Grenada, participants were warmly received by the Grenada Tourism Authorities, Port Louis Marina, rally staff, fellow sailors and friends, reflecting the island’s renowned hospitality and passion for sailing. As the fleet arrived they were greeted with the traditional rum punch and welcome basket from the Grenada Tourism Authority. Participants enjoyed a full week of activities and excursions, providing them with the opportunity to immerse themselves in the rich culture and natural beauty of Grenada, like a guided Tour organized by Budget Marine and Spice Island Marine Services, the Marina Village day organized by Port Louis Marina, or the Beach Day offered by Mount Cinnamon resorts, all these before the Welcome Ceremony. This year, Grenada celebrated its 50th anniversary of Independence, the participants and the Viking Explorers staff could enjoy an unique and unforgettable experience on a vibrant island that was beautifully decorated by the community.
The welcome ceremony at True Blue Bay in Grenada for the Viking Explorers Rally 2024 was a lively celebration of maritime achievement, featuring traditional music, local cuisine, and heartfelt speeches. Participants mingled, sharing tales of their seafaring adventures against the backdrop of the stunning Caribbean sunset and enjoyed together an evening to remember. Chinel Sandy from the Grenada Tourism Authority welcomed all sailors for choosing Grenada as their arrival destination. Zara Tremlett, Marina Manager also extended a warm welcome to all sailors before an emotional speech by the director of the Rally.
Participants were invited on stage to receive their certificates and gifts and had the opportunity to share a few words with their fellow sailors.
“We are delighted to host the Viking Explorers Rally 2024 in Grenada for the fourth consecutive time. This rally embodies the adventurous spirit and camaraderie that define the sailing community and the ethos of the rally. We are honoured by those who have placed their trust in us and our expertise for crossing the Atlantic Ocean with the Viking Explorers,” stated managing director Oliver Solanas Heinrichs.
The fun awards presentation then commenced with the following interesting recognitions:
– Smallest boat: SY Lagertha, UFO 34 with LOA 10m
– Largest boats: MY L’Adagio, B.Blond IV, Nordhavn 76, LOA 24m
– Largest sailboat: MS Migaloo, Nordhavn 56, LOA 16m, 68cm
– Youngest captain: Mathias Keilegavlen from SY Rosemarie, born in 1999
– Oldest captain: Richard Aldridge, SY Tiny Dancer, born in 1954
– Newest boat: SY Seaduction, Fountaine Pajot Saona 47, built in 2021
– Oldest boat: SY Yulunga, Nautor Swan, built in 1976
The spirit of the Viking Explorers this year was awarded to Matthias Hedlund, captain of SY Manami II, for his support and camaraderie in the true ethos of the rally.
While on stage Matthias thanked the organizers and reminded all his fellow sailors about the song “Go West”, which he had been playing upon the arrival of the boats. A song that will remember this rally and in a true spirit of camaraderie.
A very emotive moment happened, when Camilla, from Sy Alba handed over a nice basket full of products collected throughout the fleet, thanking the team for their continuous support and friendliness in this edition.
As is tradition, the rally concluded with its unique “rally video” of the event, a pleasant surprise for participants, accompanied by the traditional Steel Pan Band in true Caribbean style.
The Viking Explorers Rally is a non-competitive 2,700-nautical-mile sailing adventure that takes participants from the Canary Islands to Grenada via Cape Verde. Since its inception in 2018, the event has rapidly gained popularity, attracting participants from all around the world. The Viking Explorers Rally is an exclusive event with a maximum of 25 boats and focuses on providing the best customer service and maximizing safety and camaraderie among the participants.
For more information and join next year, click here The Viking Explorers Rally.