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rally antigua

Our next event will commence in Gibraltar in October 2009

Rally Antigua is an annual transatlantic cruising event, departing from Gibraltar in late October.  Yachts first cruise to Lanzarote, leaving there in mid-November en route to Antigua and the warm waters of the Caribbean in time for Christmas.

Extra safety and enjoyment

Although the Blue Water Rally organisers have already announced a facility for yachtsmen to join the event on a leg-by-leg basis, they have recognised the special demand for extra safety and enjoyment that can be obtained by sailing as part of a rally on long ocean legs.

Family-orientated, cruising-only

Rally Antigua has been created to meet that demand and is a family-orientated, cruising-only rally, which enables participants to benefit from the professional support and preparation that goes into all our events.  Crews also share the camaraderie, social and tourist activities in ports of call that make the event a special experience.   The benefits may be summarised as follows:

  • Pre-departure safety and other briefings in Gibraltar and Lanzarote.

  • A professional support team at Gibraltar, Lanzarote and Antigua.

  • En route H.F. 'safety net'.

  • Logistical support for the provision of spares.

  • Any concessionary berthing that may be provided.

  • A social and tourist programme at ports of call.

Safety first

Entry criteria are the same as for the Blue Water Rally.  All yachts must have an H.F. SSB and a 406 EPIRB and be fully-found, thoroughly seaworthy and suitably equipped with safety and associated equipment for such a passage in all weathers.  We place the highest priority on safety and reserve the right to refuse participation to any yacht which, in the view of the Company, fails to meet these criteria.

No minimum size

There is no minimum size specified.  Yachts are, however, required to be able to maintain an average speed of 5 knots over the passage.  This ensures that the fleet does not get too spread out and slower yachts get the longest possible time and fullest possible support in ports of call.  As a guideline, the smallest yacht is likely to be in the region of 34 feet LOA.  Skippers should have completed a 500-mile non-stop offshore voyage in their own yachts, but we are prepared to consider suitably documented evidence of experience in lieu.  A third party insurance is required.

Our aim

Our aim is to make the transatlantic voyage as enjoyable and as safe as possible.   Going as part of Rally Antigua ensures the support of a professional organisation and provides mutual help.  Rally Antigua is also aimed at making the experience …….  fun!

To Register your interest

Fill in our Enquiry Form here.