It's been an exceptional year for the rally. Many things have changed within the organisation, signing new important contracts with sponsors and gaining more and more popularity. And the question has always been there: "Will you grow bigger?". The answer is short: No.
Even if it sound a bit weird for a company, the Viking Explorers Rally focuses more on giving the best personal support possible, so it focuses more on quality than quantity. 25 Boats, the perfect size for a fleet. Too many would affect the marina operations and services anyway.
Looking back to the last edition. The 7th edition, having been another big success, with another fully booked rally.
The participants arrived at Port Louis Marina back in February on the stunning Caribbean island of Grenada after extensive preparations. Sailors first gathered in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Canary Islands, in December 2023, united by the goal of crossing the Atlantic. On January 6th, an international fleet of 25 boats, ranging from 34ft to 76ft and carrying 80 crew members from countries including the Netherlands, UK, Australia, New Zealand, Sweden, Germany, Switzerland, the US, Italy, Spain, Canada, Norway, Denmark, Ireland, and Latvia, set sail for Cape Verde.
After a stop at Marina Mindelo, enjoying the island and the party on the floating bar offered by the marina, the fleet embarked on a journey of over 2,000 miles across the Atlantic a few days later.
The first boat to reach Port Louis Marina after 13 days at sea was Sy Jalemar, a Fountaine Pajot Elba 45, captained by Jaqueline Henshall, marking an impressive accomplishment after departing from Cape Verde. Upon arrival in Grenada, participants were warmly welcomed by the Grenada Tourism Authorities, Port Louis Marina staff, fellow sailors, and friends.
The island's renowned hospitality was showcased with traditional rum punch and welcome baskets from the Grenada Tourism Authority. Over the next week, sailors enjoyed a variety of activities and excursions, immersing themselves in Grenada's rich culture and natural beauty. Highlights included a guided tour organized by Budget Marine and Spice Island Marine Services, a Marina Village day by Port Louis Marina, and a Beach Day at Mount Cinnamon resorts.
This year also marked Grenada's 50th anniversary of independence, providing a unique experience for participants amid the island's vibrant decorations. The welcome ceremony at True Blue Bay celebrated maritime achievement with traditional music, local cuisine, and heartfelt speeches. Participants mingled, sharing seafaring tales as the Caribbean sunset provided a stunning backdrop. Chinel Sandy from the Grenada Tourism Authority welcomed everyone for choosing Grenada, while Zara Tremlett, Marina Manager, and Oliver Solanas Heinrichs, rally director, delivered emotional speeches.
Participants received certificates and gifts on stage and had the chance to share their thoughts. Managing director Oliver Solanas Heinrichs expressed, "We are delighted to host the Viking Explorers Rally 2024 in Grenada for the fourth consecutive time. This rally embodies the adventurous spirit and camaraderie that define the sailing community."
The awards presentation recognized various achievements:
- Smallest boat: SY Lagertha, UFO 34 (10m LOA)
- Largest boats: MY L'Adagio, B.Blond IV, Nordhavn 76 (24m LOA)
- Largest sailboat: MS Migaloo, Nordhavn 56 (16.68m LOA)
- Youngest captain: Mathias Keilegavlen, SY Rosemarie (born 1999)
- Oldest captain: Richard Aldridge, SY Tiny Dancer (born 1954)
- Newest boat: SY Seaduction, Fountaine Pajot Saona 47 (built 2021)
- Oldest boat: SY Yulunga, Nautor Swan (built 1976)
The spirit of the Viking Explorers was awarded to Matthias Hedlund, captain of SY Manami II, for embodying the rally’s ethos of support and camaraderie. Onstage, Matthias thanked the organizers and reminded everyone of the song “Go West,” which he played upon the boats' arrival—an anthem that encapsulated the rally's spirit. An emotional moment occurred when Camilla from SY Alba presented a basket of gifts collected from the fleet to thank the organizers for their support.
As tradition dictates, the rally concluded with a unique "rally video" showcasing the event, accompanied by a lively Steel Pan Band, celebrating in true Caribbean style.
Watch the fabulous video of the Viking Explorers Rally 2024 here:
And after months of updates, meetings, pre-preparations, scheduling and focusing on many new activities within the rally, thanks to the support of sponsors, the team has been very busy. Indeed many new have joined the rally, Seven Star Yacht Transport has renewed contract for another 2 years as official supplier, sponsoring again this year the skipper's farewell dinner.
Spice Island Marine Services has also joined becoming Official Supplier in Grenada, giving invaluable technical support to the rally. Deletec, a new chandlery with the most experienced staff on the island is now Official Supplier in Gran Canaria, giving a big technical support to the fleet. Even better, the Grenada Tourism Authority and Port Louis Marina have signed another 5 years with the rally, having been for many years a fundamental pillar for the Viking Explorers.
And now, looking into the future, the Viking Explorers Rally's 8th edition, with an almost full rally, or the 9th edition with many entries, or even the 10th edition, with a big party ahead, one thing is for sure, there is still many years ahead of great rallies
Until now, participants of the VE2025 had the direct support from the rally team, with online get-togethers and direct contact with the team, via WhatsApp, 24/7. Slowly they will arrive to the Canary Islands and will make their way to the marina of Las Palmas in Gran Canaria where they will all meet for this incredible experience of participating at the Viking Explorers.
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