Transatlantic cruising rally discounts for TransEurope Marinas members
La Palma, Canary Islands – Marie-Galante, Guadeloupe. Start: 10th November, 2018
Mastering an ocean crossing is a major achievement. Cruising however is about more; a key part of the adventure is the places you visit and the people you meet along the way. The Rallye des Iles du Soleil provides the comfort of sailing amidst a friendly and well-prepared fleet, via delightful island destinations.
With the Rallye des Iles du Soleil, conviviality is high on the agenda. Cruisers are invited to join informal breakfasts each morning with evening drinks gatherings prepared in choice venues. An attractive cultural programme is offered in each island, focussing on prized local heritage.
The event is organised by sailing event professionals the Grand Pavois Organisation (Mini Transats, Class 40 and IMOCA campaigns, VOR stopovers) and supported by world-famous boat-builders such as Fountaine Pajot, Amel, Jeanneau, Beneteau and Dufour. Briefings, seminars and safety checks are carried out by the team to help assure that boats are ocean-ready. Read the event participant information to learn more about what is needed to take part.
Connecting two TransEurope Marinas, participants can join a September prestart gathering in Port de Plaisance de La Rochelle, the site of the popular Grand Pavois boat show. The official rally start then takes place from Marina La Palma with free berthing for the fleet prebooked each destination.
In La Palma, the preparation week includes guided visits around the island’s charming historic capital and nocturnal astronomy sessions. The first of the Canaries to be awarded the status of Biosphere Reserve, La Palma’s dramatic landscape is a hiker’s haven. Marina La Palma is based right in the town with ample provisioning options.
The rally calls in for a few days to Mindelo, São Vicente, in the Cape Verde islands; a welcome stop-off to regroup and relive the passage so far. Fresh produce can be restocked via the local market and the programme includes visits around the town and a guided tour to the house of musical diva Cesaria Evora.
French Caribbean beauty Marie Galante is the final destination, also known as “the island of a hundred windmills”. Participants can now relax and enjoy discovering the local landscape including visit to Bielle rum distillery and appropriately, a festive beach party prize-giving.
TransEurope Marinas members can benefit from a 20% discount applied to participant rates. Only a few places remain however; to join this year’s event and benefit from the TransEurope Marinas discount, send an email to: ilesdusoleil@grand-pavois.com