The 17th annual North American Rally to the Caribbean (NARC) departs from Newport RI on November 1, 2016 (or the best weather window near that date). The NARC’s primary purpose is to encourage boats heading south from the U.S. East Coast to join together for socials, discounts, and shared weather routing.
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“Plan to be at the Newport Yachting Center no later than October 29,” said NARC organizer Hank Schmitt, CEO of Offshore Passage Opportunities, a Huntington, NY-based crew network service. “We ask boats to be ready to depart a day early if the weather router says it looks good or there is a need to depart sooner.”
“Our Rally is free to veteran offshore sailors and professionally crewed boats,” Schmitt explained. “There is no head fee to defray the costs of the socials and to cover general overhead. Everyone will pay their own dockage and for their own meals and drinks unless otherwise surprised by a sponsor. Of course, we get discounts along the way.”
“If you have not made this passage before in the fall, call our office at 631-423-4988 and we will be happy to advise you,” said Schmitt. “We can help find a qualified skipper or get experienced crew for you through our crew network. Smaller boats and less experienced sailors should spend September and October heading down to the Chesapeake and check out their boat and systems while they are still close to land. There are two [other] rallies that depart from Hampton Roads/Norfolk, Virginia area.”
The NARC Rally makes a stopover in Bermuda before continuing on to St. Maarten. “In Bermuda, we will be hosted by the St. Georges Dinghy & Sports Club,” said Schmitt. “We receive discount dockage and the $35 per head fee is waived. We will have a fish fry when everyone has arrived at the club. After filling up on duty free fuel, most boats will head to St. Maarten in time for the final Rally party hosted by IGY Marina Group, with a special two days of free dockage upon arrival.”
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