When more than 200 yachts set off from Gran Canaria to the Caribbean at the end of November, they will be following a long tradition that was established by Jimmy Cornell in 1986. Since then, many thousands of sailors have sailed across the Atlantic as part of the annual Atlantic Rally for Cruisers. Today, every sailor is familiar with the "ARC" - and the associated hustle and bustle is a reason for some to avoid Las Palmas in October and November.
The former founder of the rally also believes that the original spirit of the event has been lost in recent decades. That is why, almost 30 years after the ARC, he has now launched a new Transatlantic Rally, which will focus less on commerce and more on the original task of the Transatlantic Rallies: to enable inexperienced sailors to make the leap across the Atlantic.
The new "Atlantic Odyssey" will focus primarily on travelling together on blue water and sailing together - rather than competing with each other. For the first time in the history of transatlantic rallies, it is even possible to choose different harbours and travel times.
The Atlantic Odyssey I departs from Arrecife on Lanzarote on 17 November 2013 and travels to Le Marin on the Caribbean island of Martinique.
The Atlantic Odyssey II departs from Santa Cruz on La Palma on 12 January 2014 and heads for St. George's on the Caribbean island of Grenada.
As was once the case with the ARC, the entry fees are also set to become interesting again for smaller budgets. While participation in the ARC today costs between 950 euros (8.23 to 10.29 metres) and 1300 euros (13.30 to 16.29 metres), Cornell charges a flat rate of 500 euros for participation in the Atlantic Odyssey - regardless of the length of the yacht. A really competitive price when you consider that this sum even includes the mooring fees (starting harbour Lanzarote). Crews with children under the age of 16 can even take part free of charge.
The yachts will also be equipped with a satellite tracker free of charge so that those at home can track the yacht's position online.
More information about the Atlantic Odyssey here: www.atlanticodyssey.org
