- From Plymouth to Bayona and onwards down the coast of Portugal to Lagos
- Cross Biscay in company
- Planned route and plenty of social activities ashore
- Explore Portugal with organised tours
- Rally support team in each port
Cruise South with Rally Portugal
Rally Portugal is organised by World Cruising Club as a fun event for both cruising sailors on their way from the UK to the Mediterranean, and those simply looking for an enjoyable summer cruise. A number of ARC yachts also use the rally as a sociable and interesting way to head south.
Rally Portugal starts from Mayflower Marina, Plymouth in late May, crossing Biscay to Bayona in northwest Spain and then following a cruising route of short legs down the coast of Portugal to the finish in Lagos three weeks later. Crossing at this time of year normally offers stable weather conditions in the Bay, while the northerly trade-winds should be firmly established, to give participants enjoyable coastal sailing in Portugal. Secure overnight stops are arranged in attractive ports where there are opportunities to visit places of interest and to enjoy the company of fellow participants and local sailors at parties and other social functions. World Cruising Club have made special arrangements with Portuguese Customs and Immigration, to ensure that the formalities are kept to an absolute minimum.
The rally has been running for over a decade with the support of Marina de Lagos, the premier marina on the Algarve coast of Portugal.
Dates
2010 30 May - 22 June
2011 29 May - 21 June
Stopovers: Plymouth, Bayona, Povoa de Varzim, Figueira da Foz, Peniche, Oeiras, Sines, Lagos
Benefits
- Camaraderie of crossing the Bay of Biscay as part of a rally
- Weather, routing & safety equipment advice
- Automatic tracking and and display of yacht positions across Biscay
- Rally Support Team in each port
- Organised itinerary, tours & social activities
- All-inclusive berthing
What the participants said . . .
"Fabulous sailing, with new friends, to new places, facing new challenges, with the security and support of a professional organisation." Duncan & Inge Stewart, s/y Anum Cara
"If anyone reading this is considering using the Rally in future years to move south - don’t think about it long - just do it. The cost of moorings alone would almost equal the Rally entry costs. Add in having a team to sort the formalities, guide you into your berth, sort out any issues, supply some great parties, organise and provide trips out upcountry, party nibbles, a few super evening meals, plus party vino all also included! It makes Rally Portugal an absolute bargain - not to be missed." Sue & John Allison, s/y Swagman
"The Rally has been the first opportunity for an extended passage in this boat. It has been good to see how the boat performs relative to others and the different ways equipment & sail plans are used. Good sailing, fine weather, storms, whales and dolphins, good company - an experience not to be missed." Roy & Sue Potter, s/y Vindomar
"The Rally gave us a date to leave the UK, took away the hassle with port authorities, and gave us confidence to cover long distances." Mike Cobbe & Jane O’Hara, s/y Kelly’s Eye of Hamble
Entry Requirements
- Open to sailing and motor yachts between 27-60 feet (8.23-18.29m).
- Minimum crew requirement is two people onboard each yacht.
- Qualifying cruise of 100nm non-stop or similar experience required.
- A comprehensive list of safety equipment requirements is included in the rally conditions of entry, and as an easy to follow checklist in the rally entry pack. The major items include: a liferaft; flare pack; radar reflector; and a 406 MHz EPIRB [distress beacon]. Click here to download the entry pack.
Help with preparation and planning is available in the comprehensive Skipper's Handbook sent to confirmed entrants. To help find crew, there is a free Crewing Opportunities Forum - click here for more information.
How to enter
The entry list is open for the 2010 rally, either online via the website or download the paper form or contact our office to receive a mail by post. Click here for more details.