Grenada welcomes Viking Explorers Rally for ninth straight year

The Grenada Tourism Authority has welcomed the 2026 Viking Explorers Rally to the island, marking the ninth consecutive year the transatlantic sailing event has finished in Grenada.

Officials hosted a ceremony at Camper & Nicholsons Port Louis Marina in St. George’s to greet the fleet after completing the 2,700-nautical-mile journey from the Canary Islands. Despite delays caused by unfavorable weather, crews safely completed the crossing, reinforcing Grenada’s growing reputation as a preferred southern gateway for the global yachting community.

Now in its ninth year, the rally promotes what organizers call a “Viking family” spirit centered on sportsmanship, safety and cooperation among sailors. During the welcome ceremony, Nautical Development Manager Shanai St. Bernard and marina manager Zara Tremlett congratulated the participants for their successful voyage across the Atlantic.

Several awards were presented during the evening to highlight the diversity of the fleet. SY Sea Dreamer, a Lagoon 46 from Australia, received recognition as the newest yacht, while SY Calainë, a Nauticat from the United States, was named the oldest. SY Alora, a Hylas 56 from the United States, was recognized as the biggest sailboat, and the smallest yacht award went to SY Joyce Ellen, a Moody S336 from the United Kingdom.

Captains were also acknowledged, with Chris Lawrence of SY Yanula Blue from the United Kingdom named the youngest captain and Stephen of SY Alora from the United States recognized as the oldest.

The rally’s top honor, the Spirit of the Viking Explorers Award, was presented to Lawrence for what organizers described as his strong camaraderie and embodiment of the rally’s collaborative spirit.

“We are thrilled to once again host the Viking Explorers, a group that truly embodies the spirit of international camaraderie,” St. Bernard said, noting that the rally’s annual return highlights Grenada’s maritime infrastructure and its role in the island’s growing blue economy.

Interest is already building for the 2027 rally, which will mark the event’s 10th anniversary. Organizers say demand has more than doubled, though participation will remain limited to maintain the rally’s close-knit character. The first 25 invitations for next year’s crossing have already been issued, setting the stage for what is expected to be the largest edition yet in Grenada’s nautical calendar.