The Rallye des Iles du Soleil took off today, the 1 st November, from Marina La Palma in the
island’s capital, to Marie Galante, on the island of Guadeloupe, via a stopover in Mindelo.
A total of 25 boats and around 150 people have been based in Santa Cruz de La Palma for
a week-long preparation for the Atlantic crossing.
This is a non-competitive event where the emphasis is on fleet sailing and the more social
and cultural aspect of the event’s programme. A large part of the week of preparation has
been dedicated to exploring the cultural and natural heritage of the island of La Palma, as
well as its unique gastronomy.
Organised by the prestigious nautical entity Grand Pavois Organisation (GPO) and Calero
Marinas, the biennial Rallye des Iles du Soleil has already been held on six occasions, four
of which have departed from Santa Cruz de La Palma.
Alain Pochon, President of the Grand Pavois Organisation declared before the start:
“Once again, we extend our gratitude to Marina La Palma, Calero Marina, Real Club Nautico
de La Palma, and the city of Santa Cruz de La Palma for their invaluable support and warm
hospitality. The Real Club Náutico de La Palma has been very responsive to our needs and
especially supportive, for which we are very appreciative. It has been a real pleasure and a
great discovery for the 150 participants of the Rallye des Iles du Soleil to be able to come
here. We particularly appreciate this city as the starting point of our Atlantic crossing,
because of its typical character and the special atmosphere here in the Canary Islands. We
always enjoy returning to this welcoming community, where we are greeted with warmth and
enthusiasm by people who, like us, have a great affinity for the sea and for sailing.”
A special participant in the rally is Maryze Etol, mayor of the town that will host the fleet in
Guadeloupe:
“As every year, we are very happy to welcome the arrival of the Rallye des Iles du Soleil in
Marie-Galante, strengthening this transatlantic link between La Palma, Mindelo and Marie-
Galante, and highlighting the touristic appeal of these three islands. This year is especially
significant for me, as I am taking part in the Rallye personally.”
Managing Director of Calero Marinas, José Juan Calero expressed his deep level of
satisfaction with the event:
“We are very proud to host a fleet like the Rallye des Iles du Soleil in Marina La Palma, and
to work hand in hand with Grand Pavois Organisation; one of the world’s most prestigious
nautical institutions. This would certainly not be possible however without the support
received from local authorities such as the Tourism Department of the Cabildo de La Palma
and the Sports Department of the Santa Cruz de La Palma Town Hall. Further to this of
course, we are grateful for the excellent collaboration of the Real Club Náutico de Santa
Cruz de La Palma, who have offered us their facilities, and the Centro Insular de Vela de La
Palma, who were instrumental in the rally’s successful start.”