Rallies, Rallies, Rallies - Now the Caribbean 1500

by Nancy Knudsen on 10 Sep 2008 Travelling the ocean as a solo yacht is an inspirational experience – but you don't have to always 'go it alone', and rallies the world over are popular for veterans and novices alike. Even if you don't want the security of knowing other boats are not far away, the advantages are many – daily scheds, the camaraderie of both planning and post mortems, sometimes even the ease of getting cruising permits.

Frequently, the successful rally will go at the most opportune time in the season – witness the most successful 'Atlantic Rally for Cruisers', the 'Darwin to Kupang' and the 'Med Red Rally'

This is also part of the success of the Caribbean 1500, which departs the USA for the Caribbean each November, just in time for the cruising season.

When Steve Black introduced offshore sailing rallies to the North American sailing world in 1990, he probably didn't know what a tradition he was starting - the Caribbean 1500 ... now completing its second full decade ...

For two decades, the Cruising Rally Association has brought sailors together to enjoy these bluewater sailing adventures. This year, they'll run sailing rallies to and from the Caribbean – at the beginning and end of the season - and offer Ocean Sailing Seminars in multiple cities.

'The Cruising Rally Association has helped make ocean sailing safer and more accessible for thousands of sailors for almost two decades,' says Steve. 'Each event offers a balance of adventure, camaraderie, and competition to first timers and veteran passage makers alike.'

Steve has managed sponsored sailing events for over 25 years, first as Executive Director of U.S. Sailing and now as founder and president of the Cruising Rally Association.

Welcome to the 19th Annual Caribbean 1500 Rally, which will leave both Hampton VA and Charleston SC and sailing to Village Cay Marina on Tortola, in the British Virgin Islands.

The fleet will gather in Hampton, VA and Charleston SC, for briefings, inspections, final preparations, and social events prior to the start.

Here are some planned dates for 2008:

Oct. 27: Boat Inspections begin in Hampton VA
Oct. 29: Registration and refreshments
Oct. 30: Briefings and demonstrations
Oct. 31: Briefings; Send-off Dinner
Nov. 1: Weather Briefing
Nov. 2: Hampton start
Nov. 13: Awards Dinner - Village Cay
Nov. 15 : Fat Virgin Party - Virgin Gorda Yacht Harbor

For more information, go to the Rally Website