On 4th of November began the activities of the Rallye des Iles du Soleil 2018 that will cover the 3,000 nautical miles which separates the island of La Palma from the island of Guadalupe, in the Caribbean.
This event is coordinated by Grand Pavois Organisation, a very well respected group formed by maritime companies based in La Rochelle. They are responsible for a Variety of successful events such as The Nautic Salón Grand Pavois in La Rochelle and Les Nauticales en La Ciotat.
They are supported by big names from the Nautical World like Amel, Fountaine Pajot, Beneteau Jeanneau, and Dufour, many of which collaborate with the race.
With the arrival of the Schooner Bielle, a beautiful two-masted schooner and the Pogo 50, Maremosso, the fleet of the Rallye des Iles du Soleil in Marina La Palma was completed. The days prior to departure, the crews have been preparing the crossing by getting their boats ready and reviewing their material, but they also had time to enjoy an interesting cultural program, thanks to the collaboration from the Cabildo de La Palma, the City Council of Santa Cruz de La Palma, the Naval Museum and La Palma Biosphere Reserve. A program where crews have been able to appreciate the benefits of La Isla Bonita.
Today at 10 am, the event´s presentation for the media started; with the presence of the authorities, sponsors and the national and international press. The presentation started with Guillermo Cabrera, Marina La Palma´s director who mentioned that this is the second time Rallye des Iles du Soleil has chosen Calero Marina´s facilities. The first edition was hosted by Marina Lanzarote in 2017, and see this as a great opportunity to create synergies between two destinations that have many similarities like La Palma and Marie Galante (Guadalupe). It is also a big opportunity to showcase the islands internationally.
La Palma´s City Council was represented by the sport´s counselor, Rayco Arrocha, and the Mayor, Sergio Matos. The Mayor emphasized the historical significance of Santa Cruz de La Palma´s port and thanked private institutions such as Marina La Palma and the Nautical Club of Santa Cruz de La Palma for their collaboration and development of this type of event.
Christophe Vieux (Grand Pavois’ general secretary) thanked the local institutions for their support and highlighted the increase of the fleet and is looking forward to bringing even more boats next year.
The Rallye des Iles du Soleil will leave on Saturday the 10th of November from Marina La Palma to Marie Galante. With 17 ships. It will become the largest international fleet to cross the Atlantic that has left Isla Bonita.