Grenada welcomes the Viking Explorers Rally 2025 in its 8th edition
by Oliver Solanas Heinrichs 13 Feb 2025 14:03 GMT
The Viking Explorers Rally 2025 fleet has successfully reached Camper & Nicholsons Port Louis Marina on the stunning Caribbean island of Grenada after months of preparation.
The rally began in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Canary Islands, in December 2024, where sailors gathered with the shared goal of crossing the Atlantic.
Departing on January 6th, an international fleet of 22 boats, ranging from 40ft to 66ft and carrying 85 crew members from countries such as the Netherlands, Portugal, Slovakia, France, Philippines, Belgium, Greece, Japan, Lithuania, United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, Sweden, Germany, Switzerland, United States, Italy, Spain, Canada, Norway, Denmark, and Ireland, set sail for the Cape Verde Islands.
Following a stop at Marina Mindelo, the fleet embarked on a challenging 2,100-mile journey across the Atlantic. The first boat to arrive at Port Louis Marina, after 11 days at sea, was SY Lickety, a stunning catamaran Hudson & Hakes 50 (HH50-SC),captained by Catherine Lorenz,—an impressive feat after departing from Cape Verde.
Upon arrival in Grenada, participants were warmly welcomed by the Grenada Tourism Authority, Port Louis Marina, rally staff, fellow sailors, and friends, showcasing the island's renowned hospitality and deep-rooted sailing culture. As the fleet arrived, sailors were greeted with the traditional rum punch and a welcome basket from the Grenada Tourism Authority.
A full week of exciting activities and excursions awaited the sailors, allowing them to immerse themselves in Grenada's rich culture and breathtaking landscapes, like the guided tour organized by Budget Marine and Spice Island Marine Services, the Marina Village Day, hosted by Port Louis Marina or the Sundowner, courtesy of Mount Cinnamon Resort.
All these events set the stage for the highly anticipated Welcome Ceremony. On the 7th of February, Grenada celebrated its 51st Anniversary of Independence, making the experience even more special for both participants and the Viking Explorers team. The island was beautifully decorated, and the festive atmosphere added to the unforgettable journey.
Furthermore, on board SY Sawasdeekat was former finalist of Master Chef UK 2022, Waleerat Tredell,(Pookie), who welcomed the idea from the organisation to perform a cooking session at the prestigious Mt.Cinnamon Resort. With the collaboration of the Grenada Tourism Authority, Mt.Cinnamon Resort and Clarke's Court Rum, Ms.Pookie presented "Grenadian Lobster Pookie Style" and "Pinacotta Colada" using local ingredients and the spices Grenada is famous for.
The Welcome Ceremony at True Blue Bay Resort was a lively celebration of maritime achievement, featuring traditional music, local cuisine, and heartfelt speeches. Against the backdrop of a stunning Caribbean sunset, sailors mingled, sharing stories of their transatlantic adventures.
Tornia Charles from the Grenada Tourism Authority welcomed all sailors and expressed gratitude for choosing Grenada as their destination. Zara Tremlett, Marina Manager, extended a warm greeting before an emotional speech by the rally's director Oliver Solanas Heinrichs.
Each participant was invited on stage to receive certificates and gifts, with many taking the opportunity to share a few words with their fellow sailors.
"We are delighted to host the Viking Explorers Rally 2025 in Grenada for the fifth consecutive time. This rally embodies the adventurous spirit and camaraderie that define both the sailing community and the ethos of the event. We are honored by those who have placed their trust in us and our expertise for crossing the Atlantic Ocean with Viking Explorers," stated Managing Director Oliver Solanas Heinrichs.
The ceremony continued with the fun awards presentation for:
- Smallest boat: SY Seas The Day, (Fountain Pajot 40)
- Largest boats: Keep Cool (Hylas 66,)
- Youngest captain: Jan Oltmans, from SY Aquamarin
- Oldest captain: Joe Allala, from SY Pixie Dust
- Newest boat: SY Voy (Outremer 55)
- Oldest boat: SY Aquamarin (Hanseat Commodore 41)
Winner of the fishing contest was SY Sawasdeekat, with an impressive Mahi Mahi.
Winner of the photo contest was Matts Person, on board SY Manami II.
The prestigious "Spirit of the Viking Explorers" award was presented to Theo Teazis, captain of SY Paloma (Amel 50), for his outstanding support and camaraderie, embodying the true essence of the rally.
On stage, Theo thanked the organizers and all his fellow sailors that have escorted and helped him and his wife Pam throughout this journey.
As is tradition, the rally concluded with its much-anticipated "Rally Video", a heartfelt recap of the adventure, accompanied by the traditional Steel Pan Band, adding an authentic Caribbean touch.
The Viking Explorers Rally is a non-competitive, 2,700-nautical-mile sailing adventure that takes participants from the Canary Islands to Grenada via Cape Verde. Since its inception in 2018, the event has gained immense popularity, attracting sailors from around the world.
With a maximum of 25 boats, the Viking Explorers Rally focuses on exceptional customer service, safety, and fostering a strong sense of camaraderie among participants.
For those who dream of an unforgettable Atlantic crossing, this rally continues to set the gold standard for adventure, friendship, and the true spirit of Bluewater sailing.
The event is sponsored by the Grenada Tourism Authority, Port Louis Marina Camper & Nicholson, Grenada Distillery, Mount Cinnamon Beach Resort, Spice Island Marine Services, Budget Marine, Seven Star Yacht Transport, Detelec Naval, Sailworld Cruising, Marina Mindelo, Imray, Predictwind, Hydrovane, Island Cruising, Clarke and Carter Caribbean, Yacht Agent Galapagos, True Blue Bay Resort, Accastillage Diffusion, MDV Sailmaker, El Corte Inglés.
To know more about the rally visit www.vikingexplorersrally.com