The Viking Explorers Rally 2026 Kicks Off
by Viking Explorers Rally 8 Dec 09:09 PST
8 December 2025
Viking Explorers Rally 2026 kicks off with the offical welcome in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria © Viking Explorers
The 2026 edition of the Viking Explorers Rally got off to a spectacular start today at Marina Las Palmas, as crews from around the globe gathered for the official welcome.
The full fleet — 17 boats representing 10 nationalities — is now in port, unified by a shared passion for ocean adventure. The fleet includes 5 multihulls and 12 monohulls, underscoring the diversity of vessels and sailing backgrounds the rally unites.
As the morning progressed, each skipper and crew member received their official rally welcome-pack, including branded gear and information kits, and presented themselves to their fellow sailors.
With the Viking Explorers Welcome Breakfast, participants gathered for a welcoming social reception — a relaxed, convivial atmosphere where experienced blue-water sailors mingled with first-time ocean-crossers. Laughter, conversations, and shared stories, as crews began forming bonds that are sure to last long after the voyage begins.
The day's highlight was a comprehensive safety seminar led by Oliver Solanas Heinrichs, Managing Director of the Viking Explorers Rally. The emphasis on safety, mutual support, and seamanship set the tone for the rally, reinforcing the community-focused ethos that defines this event. The safety seminar is based not only on the World Sailing Offshore Special Regulations (OSR), but also on own expertise and the information gathered in the last 15 years by experienced sailors.
Over the coming days, the fleet will finalize preparations: provisioning, last-minute gear checks, orientation sessions, and more informal get-togethers to strengthen camaraderie. Meanwhile, the rally organizers are working behind the scenes to ensure every yacht is ready for a safe and smooth departure.
The official start line is set for January 6, 2026 — when the fleet will sail from Las Palmas toward Mindelo in the Cape Verde Islands,being their final destination Port Louis Marina in Grenada. The rally has a scheduled departure but not an official start, the decision will be taken on the 4th of January at the Skippers Briefing. According to the organization, this is prudent seamanship.
For many, it's the fulfillment of a long-held dream: to cross the Atlantic in good company, under fair trade-wind conditions, guided by mutual support and shared enthusiasm, and a professional team supervising the crossing.
As the countdown begins, the 2026 fleet is getting ready — 17 boats, dozens of sailors, ten nations, one shared dream: to sail together across the great blue.
About Viking Explorers Rally
Since its founding in 2018, the Viking Explorers Rally has earned a reputation as a boutique, community-driven Atlantic crossing that combines the spirit of adventure with careful organization, expert guidance, and a welcoming, supportive atmosphere. By limiting participation to a small fleet (up to 25 boats), the rally ensures each crew receives personalized attention and becomes part of a close-knit sailing community.
For more information, visit www.vikingexplorersrally.com