Caribbean rally offers support and racing

The sixth annual North Atlantic Rally to the Caribbean departs Oct. 29, bound for Bermuda and St. Martin. The rally, which is operated by Offshore Passage Opportunities, offers its website as a way for crews and prospective sailors to match vessels.

“The rally is open to any seaworthy boat and crew,” said Hank Schmitt, the rally organizer and founder of OPO. “Captains needing crew can select from our database of over 500 active OPO members, who crew for free and pay their own way to and from the boat.”

Boats will gather at Newport, R.I., in late October and head first to Bermuda for a brief layover. Cost is $499 per boat. For the second year, the rally once again will be providing clothing shipments to the Red Cross in St. Martin, Schmitt said. The group also offers big-boat racing adventures to interested participants aboard its 48-foot Swan, which will sail in the Rolex Swan American Regatta in Newport and then head south with the rally. No prior experience is necessary. Visit www.sailopo.com for details.

By Ocean Navigator