Atlantic Odyssey Sailors Gather in Tenerife

Sailors taking part in the Atlantic Odyssey have arrived in Marina Santa Cruz next to the capital of the island of Tenerife, before their departure across the Atlantic to Barbados.

Atlantic Odyssey sailors gather for the welcome party

The first fleet of yachts will be leaving the Canaries on Saturday 11 November bound for Cape Verdes and a short stopover, before continuing on their way. In the Cape Verdes they will meet up with the Islands Odyssey yachts who are enjoying an extended cruise in the islands. All will leave together for Barbados on 23 November.

On 18th November the final fleet will leave, for the direct route across the Atlantic bound for Barbados, where all three fleets will be united once again.

Luc Callebaut (Cornell Sailing) looks at the Grab Bag during the safety inspection of TRITON

A potluck dinner was held on Tuesday 8th so the sailors could get to know each other.

Potluck dinner for people to get to know each other – Photo: Cosima Bethge on TRITON

Then followed some busy days, with a trip to El Teide National Park and two afternoons of seminars on voyage planning and practical aspects of cruising with Jimmy Cornell and the team.

Thanks to the generosity of the yacht club, the Real Club Náutico de Tenerife, the sailors were able to enjoy the club’s facilities during the seminars, and were invited to a welcome party on Friday 10th.

CALLISTO crew make a special effort to look smart at Yacht Club.
Commodore presents them with a special plaque

Welcome reception at the yacht club

Jimmy Cornell last met Andrea in 1994 when she was five years old
arriving in Saint Lucia with her family after the crossing

Five year old Andrea Wunderlin meeting Jimmy in 1994 after she finished her Atlantic crossing with her parents onboard MARCO POLO. Adolf and Gertrud Wunderlin are sailing onboard MARIPOSA
in this year’s Atlantic Odyssey. Photo: MARIPOSA

Sweets are popular at the welcome party

Enjoying sweet treats at the welcome party

Presentations were made to all the crews, with special prizes for the children. The Port Authority of Tenerife have been generous sponsors of the rallies, and support was also received from the local tourist office, Marina Santa Cruz, and with free bus tickets for the City Sightseeing Tour one of the many ways the sailors could enjoy their time here.

Jimmy Cornell gives a skippers briefing
with an accordion generously bought for SOS Children Villages with sailors donations

Luc Callebaut (Cornell Sailing) gives a briefing on the SSB net
with the accompaniment of a keyboard going to the SOS Children Villages

Now a few last minute purchases to be made of fresh food, and tidying the boats, before the departure at noon on Saturday.

INFINITY young crew help fill the boat with water

The Atlantic Odyssey children