Want to sail to Bermuda?  Want to sail in company for fun, camaraderie, added safety, and all the other benefits you get from a cruising rally?  At present there are no rallies or flotillas leaving from the U.S. east coast to Bermuda.  Well, we're going to change that.  Tania Aebi will lead a team that will conduct inspections, provide all the services that you could want, and make all the necessary arrangements for a fun and exciting trip.  Ours will be a friendly sail in company leaving from breathtaking New York Harbor and arriving in historic St. George's Harbour.

         On Friday night (June 13), there will be a welcome gathering at Lincoln Harbor Yacht Club, our New York host and the site of our departure point.  Lincoln Harbor is a beautiful facility offering large-slip floating docks, electricity, water, repair services, easy-to-access diesel fuel dock, a variety of amenities, restaurants and shops within walking distance, all with stunning views of the Empire State Building and the Manhattan skyline.  Be sure to check out their website at www.lincolnharbormarina.com.  During your time at Lincoln Harbor, hop on the water taxi and take advantage of some time in the world’s most exciting city.  

         We ask participants to arrive at Lincoln Harbor, outfitted and ready to sail, on Friday, June 13 or as early as possible on Saturday, June 14 so as to allow for timely inspections and briefings before our June 15 midday departure.  (Of course, the exact time of our start is subject to a favorable weather forecast.)  We'll start out by sailing in the shadow of the Manhattan skyline and past such landmarks as the Brooklyn Bridge, the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island before heading under the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge and into the Atlantic.  

        During the trip, keep in touch with satellite phones provided by the event, and participate in daily conference calls to receive weather and routing updates from the renowned oceanography and meteorology team of Jenifer & Dane Clark (www.erols.com/gulfstrm).  We'll also use these calls to exchange and monitor positions, ask for guidance, and simply to share experiences.  For your friends and family back home, they can track your progress on the Internet with satellite tracking devices, also provided by the event.

        Upon arrival in Bermuda, celebrate the successful passage with yet another event-sponsored party.  Our host in Bermuda will be Bermuda Yacht Services, a brand new full-service yard and marina located within walking distance to town.  Bermuda Yacht Services caters to oceangoing sailors, has dockside water, electricity and other services, and will be invaluable in helping us navigate customs (both clearing in and out), crew exchange procedures, and provisioning.  Be sure to check out this most welcome addition to St. George's Harbour at www.bermudayachtservices.com.  Once you get settled, spend some time exploring Bermuda's impeccably maintained interior, or cruise its luscious harbors.  It's up to you.  After several days in this wonderland of the Atlantic, sail back to the east coast in company, or continue on to your destination of choice.

         And if you think you can't do this rally because you lack crew, think again!  We're incredibly fortunate to have Hank Schmitt and his team at Offshore Passage Opportunities on our side.  OPO is the number 1 crew networking organization in existence today, with over 600 experienced bluewater sailors looking to crew on ocean passages.  Best of all, OPO's services and crew is free to participants in our rally!  You pay for boat expenses and food onboard, but crew from OPO will sail with you for free, and pay their own way to and from the boat.  Check out OPO's website at www.sailopo.com. 

         Benefits of the event, all of which are included in your participation fee, include:

Upon Signing Up:

     1.  Tania will send you a personalized checklist of things to do for you and your boat before your arrival in New York
     2.  Required equipment and gear list
     3.  Access to experts for advice and guidance on outfitting and logistics, including electronics guru Tim Hasson
     4.  Access to Bermuda Yacht Services' concierge services (provisioning, crew exchange, hotel reservations, etc.)
     5.  Assistance with finding qualified crew through Offshore Passage Opportunities
     6.  Confirmed dock reservations in both New York and Bermuda
     
Upon Arrival in New York:

     7.  Dockage at a floating dock, with electric and water (2 nights)
     8.  Safety inspections by Tania Aebi and Toby Murrah (our professional marine technician)
     9.  In-person briefings for weather & gulfstream routing by Jenifer & Dane Clark
   10.  Tania will conduct in-person skipper and crew briefings on all practical aspects of the trip and what to expect
   11.  Assistence with any arrangements you may need (reservations in Bermuda, crew exchange, etc.)
   12.  Instructions on event-provided satellite phones, Internet tracking, and en route procedures
   13.  Social gatherings

En Route to Bermuda:

   14.  Satellite phones for use throughout the trip (usage charges apply)
   15.  Twice daily satphone conference calls for position monitoring, camaraderie and guidance
   16.  Daily weather and gulfstream routing updates by the Clarks during conference calls
   17.  Satellite and Internet tracking of your position by iBoattrack (www.iboattrack.com)

Upon Arrival in Bermuda:

   18.  Dockage at Bermuda Yacht Services, including electric and water (5 nights)
   19.  Assistence with clearing in/out (more on this to come)
   20.  Briefings on weather & gulfstream routing for return trip
   21.  Social gatherings

En Route Back to U.S.:

   22.  Same as en route to Bermuda

The final cost for this year's event is $1,999.  This is an all-inclusive price, covering everything except satellite phone usage charges.

         In order to ensure the personalized service we want to provide for each boat and its crew, and due to other space constraints, we will be accepting only the first 8 boats to sign up.

          Be sure to check back soon and often, as we update this website regularly to reflect new developments and the addition of new strategic partners.  If you would like more information, have questions, or would like to sign up, please contact us by phone, fax, email or submit an inquiry using our "Contact Us" link above.  Till then, wishing you fair winds and a following sea ...