New- Atlantic Islands Rally, Portugal to Canaries

by BW Media on 23 Nov 2008 Rallies are a convivial way of sailing, be it around the world or to the next anchorage for the weekend... and a rally that goes at JUST the right time of year is the rally that is bound to succeed. Just such a rally is the now launched Atlantic Islands Rally(AIR) for 2009.

Maybe, of course, it should be called the North East Atlantic Islands Rally, as the new rally, organised by Blue Water Rallies, departs from Portugal, visiting the lovely islands of Madeira and Lanzarote. Just 11 days long, not including the before and after celebrations, it will happen in August, just the right time for visiting these islands, and perfect timing for those boats thinking of crossing the Atlantic in the same year (in the Atlantic Rally for Cruisers (ARC) perhaps?)

The Atlantic Islands Rally will leave Cascais in Portugal in mid-August and voyage via Quinta do Lorde in Madeira to arrive in Lanzarote on 25/26 August. There will be experienced professional support, together with a social and tourist programme, at each of the three ports of call. Backed by the well-known Blue Water Rally organisation, there will also be detailed passage briefings, weather information and logistic support, not forgetting the fun and camaraderie that accompanies such an event.

Applications are invited from cruising yachtsmen with yachts of minimum LOA of 31ft via the BlueWater Rallies’ website www.bluewaterrallies.com or e-mail to air@bluewaterrallies.com or tel: +44(0)1983 740239. Applications will be open until 1st May 2009, unless the rally is full. Only 35 yachts can be accepted, and the entry fee is UKP350 for yacht and Skipper, plus UKP100 for each additional crew member.

If you're interested and will be anywhere near the London Boat Show, you can go and discuss it personally with them at Stand N70A, between 9th and 18th January, 2009.