The first boats of the Viking Explorers 2022 will arrive in less than a week to Port Louis Marina in Grenada, the spice island of the Caribbean after weeks out at sea.
The Viking Explorer´s fleet left the Canary Islands in early January on their way across the Atlantic and after a good strong start the fleet found more fluky conditions with little wind due to low pressure systems, developing in more lower latitudes and affecting the Tradewinds. Many participants opted this year to stop in Mindelo, in Cape Verde where they were welcomed by the Marina Mindelo and Steven from the Viking Explorers Team.
SY Euleuthera, a Fountaine Pajot 60 from New Zealand, with captain Barbara Thomson arrived first in Mindelo after 6 days out at sea, followed by Sy Namo, a Beneteau Sense 51 of French skipper Pierre-Jean Picart.
Most of the fleet had to motor for quite a few days and some that had previously decided to sail on the direct route at the skippers briefing, communicted to the Onshore Tracking Team their decision to do a technical fuel stop in Marina Mindelo, just in case, before the bigger jump across the Atlantic.
In Mindelo the marina took great care of the fleet and offered a Welcome party where Mr. Lutz Meyer, Marina Mindelo manager and his staff welcomed personally the sailors to Mindelo. A very nice evening with music , food and drinks at the famous Floating Bar.
After following all Covid-19 protocols, and enjoying a few days in Mindelo, as well as fixing some technical issues and the usual visit to the local market for fresh produce, the fleet left Mindelo for their Atlantic crossing, to the island of Grenada.
Most of the fleet is on its way and are almost half way through the Atlantic, SY Thetis, a Schionning Wilderness 1650 Cat with German captain Hermann and his wife Ute and crew Klaus is progressing very good and will be the first boat to arrive, followed by the rest of the fleet a few days later. The conditions are good and no boat has informed about any mayor incidences, some have used more engine in the more calmer days, others have taken the time to fish, relax and enjoy the big blue.
In Grenada everything is getting ready to welcome the Viking Explorers fleet in its 5th edition. This will be the 2nd year the Viking Explorers visit Grenada and are thrilled to be back at this beautiful location.
Sundowners, parties and the Welcome Ceremony at the True Blue Bay Resort
are awaiting for the participants in Grenada, celebrating their success, crossing the Atlantic from the Canary Islands to Grenada. Indeed a great achievement after so many days out at sea. And even better, most of our sailors will be able to join the parades and ceremonies at Grenada Independence Day on the 7th of February, commemorating Grenada´s independence in 1974.
