Taking Part in a Trans-Oceanic Rally: Embrace Independence on Your Ocean Crossing
Fifteen days ago, I found myself anchored in the idyllic waters of French Polynesia. Our journey began in the Galapagos aboard the Outremer 52, setting sail on a 3,200-mile Pacific Crossing. What awaited us was a breathtaking landfall, unlike anything I’d ever experienced.
As the sun rose, the jagged peaks of Fatu Hiva came into view, piercing the clouds like ancient sentinels. By late morning, having dropped our sails, we cruised towards the quaint village of Hana Vave. Tears streamed down our faces, a testament to the fulfillment of a lifelong dream. The reality of earning our entry into the Marquesas exceeded every expectation.
The Breathtaking Baia des Vierges
Dropping anchor in 30 meters of clear, dark water, we looked around in awe. Manta rays glided gracefully below the hull, while prehistoric birds circled overhead. Rising behind us was an amphitheater of basalt towers framing a lush, green valley. Of all the remarkable places I’ve explored at sea, Baia des Vierges stood out as the most enchanting.
Coincidentally, our route mirrored that of about thirty other Outremers participating in the Grand Large Yachting World Odyssey. However, not a single one of them stopped at this magical spot. Their official finish line lay a mere 150 miles farther downwind in Nuku Hiva. It made me ponder—after all the effort invested in navigating the Panama Canal and crossing the Pacific, why would they miss one of the highlights because it wasn’t on the rally route?
Understanding the Value of Rallies
This experience reinforced an important lesson: organized rallies provide significant benefits, but only if you participate with awareness. I have a deep appreciation for rallies, having started my ocean sailing career in the ARC. Back then, my focus was solely on completing the crossing, often overlooking my surroundings.
Events like the GLYWO or the Oyster World Rally streamline logistics—weather routing, customs, canal transits, and social events are all expertly managed. This accessibility is a tremendous advantage for many sailors. Yet, I was reminded that no amount of support can replace independent decision-making.
The Comparison Trap
One of the first things I noticed during the crossing was how quickly the urge to compare creeps in. Even in light winds, it was easy to wonder why another boat was sailing faster. This often led to hasty decisions—pushing the engine harder than planned to catch up, abandoning well-laid fuel management strategies.
When the trade winds filled in, the competitive instinct kicked in further. Crews sometimes put their boats at risk, pushing harder than they should to keep pace. While some incidents were due to bad luck, deeper motivations—like ego—perhaps played a role. Out on the ocean, pride can be a treacherous navigator.
The Importance of Attention
Ocean sailing offers a unique tranquility that is often missing in our fast-paced lives. It presents the chance to slow down and immerse yourself in the present. Yet, with a fleet of near-identical boats in sight, one’s attention begins to shift outward—who’s moving faster, who’s changed course?
I can’t count the number of poor decisions I’ve made during races simply because I was too focused on the actions of others. Even we, sailing independently, found ourselves checking AIS more than necessary, which detracted from the experience.
Navigating the Emotional Rollercoaster
As the mood on board fluctuated based on our position in the fleet, I realized how exhausting it could be. This emotional see-saw can kill morale and distract from why you set out in the first place—it’s supposed to be a dream adventure!
The “pack mentality” is another risk associated with rallies. While safety in numbers is undeniable, it’s essential not to assume that everyone else knows best. Each boat has different priorities, crew dynamics, and issues to contend with. Effective seamanship involves making the right choices for your crew and your vessel—not just following the crowd.
Cherishing Quality Experiences
Beyond safety, engaging in rallies can impact the quality of your experience. Thirty boats sailed straight past one of the most awe-inspiring locations on Earth solely because it wasn’t on the official agenda. It struck me that sailors are inherently independent spirits, and my best piece of advice for anyone joining a rally would be to nurture that independence.
The open ocean hosts a wealth of beauty and wonder waiting to be experienced, and sometimes, the most extraordinary moments lie just beyond the plotted path.