- With the support of some of the best known boat-builders in Europe and coordinated by marine professionals the Grand Pavois Organisation, the Rallye des Iles du Soleil proposes a safety-first but highly enjoyable way to cross the Atlantic.
- The Rallye des Iles du Soleil will start on the 10th November from Marina La Palma and is set to be the largest international transatlantic fleet ever to depart from the island.
True to its title, the Rallye des Iles de Soleil seeks to route yachts downwind through sunny climes, seeking out rural island destinations and engaging with the local culture and gastronomy. The event starts in the Canarian Archipelago in La Palma where the fleet will be based for 6 days in Marina La Palma, in the heart of historic maritime city Santa Cruz de La Palma. As guests of the comfortable Real Club Náutico de La Palma and welcomed by the local town council and island government, participants will be able to enjoy many of the delights of “la Isla Bonita”.
The event is coordinated by “Grand Pavois Organisation”, a highly respected group of marine companies based in La Rochelle. They run several successful boat shows including the eponymous Grand Pavois and “Les Nauticales” in La Ciotat. The group includes prominent names in the yachting world; particularly known for offshore yachting such as Amel, Fountaine Pajot, Beneteau, Jeanneau and Dufour Yachts, many of which are supporting the race with exclusive advantages for owners.
With last year’s rally having started from Marina Lanzarote, the fleet is subsequently welcome throughout the Calero Marinas network with special berthing event rates in each marina. Upon reaching the Canaries, Calero Marinas Shipyard offers a great selection of technical services with hoisting facilities for wide multihulls and event tariffs for participants, allowing for a downwind Trade Wind route on to Marina La Palma.
The Rallye des Iles du Soleil will spend its preparation period in a Biosphere Reserve and further to learning more about the naturally rich marine biodiversity in Macaronesian waters, participants will be invited to carefully consider waste production along the route whilst also receiving and sharing advice on other topics related to the health of the oceans.
The fleet will is due to depart from La Palma on the 10th November and after a short stop in Mindelo, in the Cape Verdes, the fleet will set sail for pretty Marie-Galante in the Caribbean.
For more information on how to join the Rallye des Iles du Soleil, write to: ilesdusoleil@grand-pavois.com