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From Fuerteventura to Marie-Galante: A Transatlantic Voyage in Two Stages
After a week devoted to final preparations, safety checks, and discussions among the crews, the twenty boats participating in the 2026 Rallye des Îles du Soleil set sail from Marina Jandia, south of Fuerteventura, on Friday, October 30.
Ahead of them lies a journey of approximately 3,030 nautical miles, with a first stop in Mindelo, on the island of São Vicente in Cape Verde, before continuing on to Marie-Galante, in Guadeloupe.
For some participants, this crossing is their first transatlantic sailing experience. Others are already familiar with the route and are returning to enjoy the camaraderie of the rally.
A first step toward getting into the rhythm of the open sea
The approximately 900 miles separating Fuerteventura from Mindelo mark the first leg of the offshore voyage. The crews must establish their onboard organization, assign watch duties, manage energy, and adjust their course according to the conditions they encounter.
The northeasterly trade winds have not yet fully established themselves in the area. The light winds forecast at the start therefore require careful attention to sail settings and finding the areas with the strongest winds.
This introduction serves as a reminder that a transatlantic crossing isn?t just about sailing downwind with the trade winds: it also begins with navigational decisions and proper boat management.
The flotilla: another way to experience the crossing
The purpose of the Rallye des Îles du Soleil is to allow recreational sailing crews to make the crossing as part of a group, without any competitive ranking.
Each boat remains responsible for its own navigation, but participants receive support that includes, among other things, weather information, satellite tracking, and safety training before departure.
The stopover in Mindelo, before the scheduled departure for Guadeloupe on November 11, will give the crews a chance to reunite, share their experiences, and prepare for the longest leg of the journey.
The arrival in Marie-Galante is expected between November 23 and 27. By then, everyone will have experienced their own crossing, with their own route choices, pace, and discoveries. That?s also what makes a transatlantic flotilla so appealing: sailing on your own boat while sharing the same destination.
