Caribbean 1500: the largest and longest-running offshore cruising event in the Americas
Caribbean 1500 - sail to the sun!
The annual Caribbean 1500 heralds the start of the Caribbean sailing season and winter in the sunny Caribbean. The rally is a cruise in company to either Nanny Cay Marina on Tortola British Virgin Islands, or to Green Turtle Cay in Abaco Bahamas. With 50-70 boats starting together, the atmosphere is one of excitement and camaraderie as the sailing adventure begins following a week of shore-based activities in Hampton VA.
More than a Cruise
The Caribbean 1500 is more than a passage-making cruise; for a week before the start, social activities in Hampton coupled with informative seminars for all crew help to ease everyone into the cruising life, build confidence, and cement friendships. Safety equipment inspections and a safety demonstration help to tighten onboard procedures and focus on the miles ahead.
Over 1200 boats with 5000 ralliers aboard have met the challenge of the Caribbean 1500 since it started in 1990. That’s more than one and a half million rally miles! Tens of thousands of armchair sailors from over 50 countries come to the web site each year to watch the satellite-tracked event in progress.
Everyone is welcome...
The diverse fleet will include ralliers from the United States, Canada and further afield. From double-handing couples to families with children to serious and not-so-serious racing crews. New boats, old boats, racing sleds, full-keeled cruisers and catamarans will join the fleet. Dogs and cats are welcome too - our Salty Dogs aren't just the veteran sailors, but the cruising chows too!
Some owners will choose to enjoy fun competition in the Cruising Division with World Cruising Club handicaps, others will decide to sail in the non-competitive Open Division - its your choice. All types of boat between 27' and 60' are welcome.
Route and Dates
The Caribbean 1500 has two fleets departing from Hampton Virginia, starting off Fort Monroe. The main fleet will sail to Nanny Cay Marina on Tortola BVI, around 1500NM, and the Bahamas Class fleet will sail approximately 975NM to Green Turtle Cay in Abaco Bahamas.
Caribbean 1500 2012 Schedule
October 28 Caribbean 1500 offices open in Hampton Public Piers
November 4 Departure day (weather dependent)
November 16 Prize giving in Nanny Cay (or 12 days after a delayed start)
“We highly recommend being part of an organized rally and find the expertise of the World Cruising Club most valuable” Sherry Day, yacht Trillium (USA) 2011 Caribbean 1500
Click here for details of rally costs and what you get for your money.
Watch our YouTube channel to view videos of boats at sea in the Caribbean 1500, and to watch demonstrations of safety equipment. www.youtube.com/user/worldcruising Check-out the Playlists to find films.
Looking to Crew or Need Extra Crew?
Boat owners are often looking for extra crew for a long passage like the Caribbean 1500. They may be looking for extra experience or simply a willing pair of hands. If you'd like to crew on a boat, why not prepare a 'sailing resume' of your experience, and include references that can be checked. If you have qualifications, or have attended our Ocean Cruising Seminar, then this may also help. Some owners use the Ocean Cruising Seminar to meet potential crew.
“This was my first experience participating in the Caribbean 1500. I was impressed with the organization and the commitment of the staff. This and being a volunteer crew member on Sialia, a well-skippered boat, made the passage a great adventure” James Moore, crew on yacht Sialia (USA) 2011 Caribbean 1500
Making an offshore passage is a great experience, but living closely with people you may not know very well can also be stressful. For owners and for crew it is vital to get to know each other and understand each others' expectations and experience. We recommend going for at least a trial overnight sail and following-up on references (for crew and owners/skippers) - don't let the start of the rally be the first time you've sailed together.
If you are looking for a boat to sail on in the Caribbean 1500, or would like help finding extra crew, call us on 757 788 8872 or email carib1500@worldcruising.com The rally Facebook page is a good place to make contact with other ralliers www.facebook.com/carib1500 and we also have a free online Crewing Opportunities Forum