Atlantic Cup Rally Preparations
The excitement is in the air here on the docks at Nanny Cay Marina on Tortola, BVI! The boats for the Atlantic Cup Rally and the ARC Europe Rally are coming in and hoisting the dress flags. The dock looks wonderful. It is fun to see old friends as they arrive in port.
We are one of four Hallberg-Rassy vessels berthed here on A Dock. There are a couple more on other docks so the HR’s are well represented. Two of us are headed to the USA and the others are going to Europe, returning home after a winter of sailing across and then up and down the island chain. We will all rendezvous in Bermuda again before heading our separate ways. We plan to sail with ARC Europe next year if things go well.
The Rally is such a great way to meet other sailors and make new friends from around the world. The boats on either side of us are from Norway and Ireland. We have essentially the same boats and all agree that our HR’s are the best! There are sundowner events each evening where we can get to know other sailors. It is fun to hear about their cruising experiences and learn a little more about them and their families.
In addition to the cruising community being so generous in assisting one another, the World Cruising Club Rally provides more opportunities to make connections. We have decided the only way to make major ocean crossings is to go with the Rally. There are seminars and demonstrations to refresh our skills, safety inspections, weather routing, and a number of other perks that come as part of the Rally. Best of all is the Rally experience and the people you meet!