NEW! Download the Nereid's Rally Movie here or watch it on YouTube
Myths abound on sailing from the
Caribbean to South America...
Some say the ferocious currents and
contrary winds make it nigh impossible, while others insist the seas
are rife with pirates bent on pillage and plunder!
Well everyone likes a good myth, and
while the reality is not nearly as exciting, the annual Nereid's
Rally (leaving Trinidad & Tobago and bound for Guyana, Suriname and French
Guiana), scheduled for September, might be just the thing to spice
up an otherwise dull maintenance season.
While hurricanes are furiously lashing
the Caribbean island chain, it's often fine sailing south of Tobago.
September brings sunny days with winds averaging 10 to 15 knots,
coupled with a swell that rarely approaches 2 meters.
The dreaded
north setting current virtually disappears and with a bit of luck a
little north creeps into the prevailing easterly breeze.
Sailing south is certainly not the
herculean task many have been led to believe and as far as safety is
concerned (at least from my experience), it is no worse than anywhere
else in the Caribbean.
And so, rather than hunker down for six
months waiting for the next sailing season, why not indulge in
visiting some of the least known anchorages in the Atlantic! The
nautical equivalent of the “Wild West” awaits this years
participants.
In the program:
- Smaller yachts often choose Store
Bay in Tobago as their point of departure. This year the 5th of September is the official start though yachts
should plan to arrive before the end of August. Note that assistance with yacht
preparation can no longer be sought through Store Bay Marine Services. Depending on numbers there will be the usual send-off party the day before!
- Larger yachts (or those unable to reach
Tobago) usually choose to leave from Chaguaramas Trinidad. As in
Tobago, there will be an official function for participants before
the start.
- Guyana is the destination for the
first
leg of the rally. Bartica to be more precise, where entertainment and
a formal welcome await all at Hurakabra River Resort (also partners for
the event). Participants will have approximately 10 days to explore the
delights of Guyana, so taking part in some of the many tour offerings
before the rally moves on to its final leg is a must.
- This year Suriname is still an official stop but it will be at Marina Resort WaterLand rather than in Paramaribo.
- Another warm welcome awaits the rally
when it arrives in French Guiana. Take up
what's on offer entertainment wise, or just sit back and relax. You
have arrived in what was up until now, arguably, the region's best
kept yachting secret.
While the Nereid's Rally officially disbands in
Saint Laurent du Maroni, you will visit Cayenne, Kourou and the Salvation Islands on route.
Heading back to the Caribbean? Sail
alone or in company. Either way you can expect nothing but marvelous
sailing.
--> Note that this year we are merging with the Viking
Adventures Devils Island 2019 rally in Roura, French Guiana so yachts
can double the adventure and accompany the fleet as it moves on to
complete the same legs the Nereid's Rally does in reverse order.
Tempted?
Register now for this year's event as
numbers are limited.
For further details on how to register
contact:
“Les amis du rallye néréides”
Marina – Saint Laurent du Maroni
1 Esplanade Laurent Baudin
97320 ST LAURENT DU MARONI
FRENCH GUIANA
rally@marinaslm.com
www.marinaslm.com/rally