Please select your home edition
Edition
RS Sailing 2021 - LEADERBOARD

Viking Explorers Rally 2025 stopover at Marina Mindelo

by Oliver Solanas Heinrichs 21 Jan 07:37 PST 6 January 2025

The Viking Explorers Rally 2025 fleet, set sail from Las Palmas de Gran Canaria on January 6th. The fleet of 22 boats embarked on the 850-mile voyage south to the Cape Verde Islands, which took between 4 to 8 days to complete under exceptional sailing conditions.

The fleet safely reached its first destination, Marina Mindelo, São Vicente, where they were warmly welcomed by Marlino from the Viking Explorers Team alongside the attentive marina staff. Marina Mindelo has been a vital partner of the Viking Explorers Rally since its inception, earning its reputation as a premier stopover for transatlantic crossings. Crews took advantage of this stop to carry out essential boat checks, replenish supplies, and relax while enjoying the vibrant local culture. This stage is especially valued by participants, as it allows them to assess their boats' performance after leaving the Canary Islands, ensuring they are well-prepared for the upcoming Atlantic crossing.

The first boat to arrive in Mindelo was Voy, a stunning Outremer 55 catamaran. Under the command of Captain Soren, accompanied by his wife Ugne, their children Kevin and Keira, and crew members Lucie, Diana, and Tiernan, Voy completed its journey in just under 5 days, arriving on January 11th at 5:40 a.m. They were also specially greeted by the marina staff and received a nice Welcome Basket. The rest of the fleet followed in the subsequent days, docking safely at Mindelo.

During their stay, sailors explored the lively streets and markets of Mindelo, immersing themselves in the island's rich cultural heritage. Some ventured to the neighboring island of Santo Antão, renowned for its dramatic landscapes, verdant valleys, and striking contrast to São Vicente's more arid terrain. These excursions provided sailors with a refreshing break and memorable experiences before embarking on the next leg of their journey.

A key highlight of the stopover was the much-anticipated Welcome Party at the marina's iconic floating bar. Organized by Marina Mindelo, the event featured music, food, and drinks in true Cape Verdean style. Marina Manager Jackie Gomes and her assistant, Ivanice Estevão, personally greeted the participants, creating a warm and festive atmosphere that left a lasting impression on the sailors. The evening became a joyous celebration, with participants sharing their experiences of the first 850 miles and bonding over their shared love of sailing.

As planned, the fleet resumed its journey on the morning of January 17th. Having enjoyed a few days of Cape Verdean hospitality and completed final preparations, the sailors were ready for the challenges ahead. Two days prior to departure, a weather webinar provided by the organizers forecasted strong trade winds in the 20-knot range, offering ideal conditions for the fleet's Atlantic crossing. Following Viking Explorers' tradition of prioritizing safety and prudent seamanship, captains together with the organization decided to stick to the schedule.

The fleet is expected to arrive at its final destination, Port Louis Marina in Grenada, by the end of January, completing the 2,700-nautical-mile adventure. A whole week of activities and the Welcome Ceremony at the True Blue Bay Resort is awaiting them.

Since its launch in 2018, the Viking Explorers Rally has become a standout event in the sailing community. Known for its non-competitive approach, the rally is limited to 25 boats, offering participants a personalized and unique experience. Safety, camaraderie, and exceptional service are at the core of the event's philosophy. The route, from the Canary Islands to Grenada via Cape Verde, provides an unforgettable blend of adventure, culture, and natural beauty. For sailors seeking an extraordinary Atlantic crossing, the Viking Explorers Rally remains an attractive alternative.

For more photos and information about The Viking Explorers Rally, please visit: www.vikingexplorersrally.com

Related Articles

IMA Maxi Europeans day 1
Jolt takes the lead The International Maxi Association's European Championship, run by Circolo del Remo e della Vela Italia out of Sorrento, began its second phase today with four days of windward-leeward and coastal racing on the Gulf of Naples. Posted on 19 May
Formula Kite Europeans in Urla overall
Nolot and Pianosi reclaim European Titles, and Maeder wins Open Trophy Racing couldn't have been more dramatic in the medal series day of the 2025 Formula Kite European Championships. With too many passes to count, a steady eight knots and smooth, turquoise water provided a perfect playing field in Urla. Posted on 19 May
IMA Maxi Europeans Inshore Series Day 1
A perfect start in Sorrento with sunshine and consistent wind The Sorrento Peninsula delivered picture-perfect conditions for the opening day of inshore racing at the IMA Maxi European Championship, the second stage of the Tre Golfi Sailing Week 2025. Posted on 19 May
Pirelli is once again partnering with Luna Rossa
Collaboration will focus on virtualization, artificial intelligence and advanced materials Pirelli is once again partnering with Luna Rossa team for the 38th America's Cup, joining the Italian challenger as Official Sponsor and Technical Partner, supporting the team in developing cutting-edge technological solutions. Posted on 19 May
Sailing is for Everyone – and We Mean It
Rooster are proud to support the communities making that a reality Sailing is a sport with space for everyone - and at Rooster, we're proud to support the communities making that a reality. Posted on 19 May
NYYC hosts 2025 World Sailing Mid-Year Meeting
Board conducted a series of productive strategic meetings The gathering brought the World Sailing Board and Council together in person at the Club's historic 44th Street Clubhouse in Manhattan—an iconic venue designed by Whitney Warren, renowned architect of Grand Central Station. Posted on 19 May
Kai Marks Dasent Sponsored Sail Fundraiser
Raising money for Hurricane-Affected Students from Union Island Secondary School Young Sailor Kai Marks Dasent Sails from St. Vincent to Mustique to Launch Fundraising Campaign for Hurricane-Affected Students from Union Island Secondary School and Vincy Sailing Team. Posted on 19 May
Etchells North American Championship overall
Luke Lawrence and team win at San Diego Yacht Club The competitors for the Etchells North American Championship in San Diego left the dock Sunday morning for the final two races of the regatta with a lot of work still in front of them to determine the winner. Posted on 19 May
Formula Kite Europeans in Urla day 5
Momentum shifts as 16 riders head to the Medal Series Fortunes were won and lost as five days of racing came down to the last minutes of Sunday's racing to determine which women and men would head to Monday's top-eight medal series. Posted on 19 May
StFYC repeats as Women's 2v2 Team Race Champs
Being the captain for competitive adult team sport is often a thankless task Being the captain for competitive adult team sport is often a thankless task involving a lot of emails, texts and phone calls to coordinate a group of busy people with multiple conflicting priorities. Posted on 19 May
Hyde Sails 2024 - One DesignCyclops Marine 2023 November - FOOTERVaikobi 2024 December