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Atlantic Cup ralliers ready to departt Nanny Cay this year – the Atlantic Cup is the return journey of the Caribbean 1500.The Cruising Rally Association announced today that the 20th Annual Caribbean 1500 fleet will sport an international flair. In addition, to the usual contingents from the US and Canada, sailors from Germany, Japan, the UK, and Ireland will join the fleet. This year, America’s oldest and largest offshore cruising rally will depart from Hampton VA on November 2 and arrive in Tortola, British Virgin Islands 7-12 days later with Nanny Cay as the official host marina of the event.
“The 20th Anniversary fleet is shaping up to be an interesting group,” explained Founder and President Steve Black, “We have veterans of past rallies including several who participated in the first Caribbean 1500 in 1990. The first-time participants include four families with children. And it is always fun to have sailors from other countries involved.” Over 1000 yachts and 4000 sailors have participated in the Caribbean 1500 since its inception.
This year’s rally will include special events here at Nanny Cay to greet the ralliers as they complete the passage. The sailors will be able to relax and unwind with daily parties, live island music, and a beach barbecue.
The Caribbean 1500 retains some of the competitive elements of traditional sailboat races, but offers social, educational and technological enhancements that broaden the appeal of the event to couples and families, as well as racers – both experienced and first-timers. Prior to the start, the participating sailboats will gather in Hampton for several days of safety inspections, workshops and weather briefings before embarking on the passage to the Caribbean.
Over 10,000 website visitors each day will monitor the progress of the boats in the rally. With wireless transponders on each yacht, positions will be broadcast via satellite six times each day, every four hours. Each boat’s track will be displayed on the Caribbean 1500 website using software customized to incorporate features from Google Earth.
The Cruising Rally Association, founded by veteran solo sailor and sailing event organizer Steve Black.
