A memorable circumnavigation
A fleet of 32 boats, comprising more than 100 crew members, 13 nationalities, and 2 dogs, set sail from the Canary Islands this October on a three-year adventure around the globe. Organized by the Grand Large Yachting group—the world leader in bluewater cruising —and renowned sailor Jimmy Cornell, who conceived the event, the Grand Large Yachting World Odyssey 500 commemorates the 500th anniversary of the first circumnavigation of the globe, initiated by Ferdinand Magellan and completed by his first mate, Juan Sebastián Elcano.
To mark this milestone anniversary, Grand Large Yachting organized its very first “ rallie ” around the world, giving bluewater cruising enthusiasts the opportunity to write their own story, drawing inspiration from the journeys of legendary explorers.
The project attracted participants from all over the world, including Canada, the USA, Brazil and Australia, as well as several European countries.
To make the event accessible to sailors of different experience levels, Jimmy Cornell and the Grand Large Yachting team have carefully designed two routes for this circumnavigation: a tropical maritime route, that of the trade winds and traditional trade, which will use the Panama Canal, and a southern route, more faithful to Magellan's original voyage, via Patagonia and the strait to which he gave his name. These two routes will converge in Tahiti, where the whole fleet will sail together for the rest of the rallie.
“As a company, our mission is to enable anyone—whether an experienced sailor or not—to fulfill their dream of a “ bluewater cruising ” while respecting the oceans, by providing them with the safety, peace of mind, and support they need at every stage of their journey. We are thrilled to be able to make this a reality by giving our sailors the opportunity to travel around the world with the support of a group that provides not only a boat but also the training and services that go along with it, ensuring a safe and memorable experience.”
What makes this so special is that, as part of the official events commemorating the 500th anniversary of the first circumnavigation of the globe, we're connecting people who share the same passion, and who are about to enjoy the experience of a lifetime together. We can't wait to embark on this fabulous journey with everyone involved," enthuses Xavier Desmarest, co-founder of the Grand Large Yachting group.
In keeping with Grand Large Yachting's philosophy, the voyage will take place over three years, at a pace conducive to the discovery of local countries and cultures, with numerous stopovers, some of them in the world's most beautiful places. On September 27, 15 of the 32 boats set sail together from La Grande Motte for Seville, the city from which Magellan's fleet set sail in 1519.
The crews met up again at the end of October for a week of visits and festivities, culminating in a special ceremony at Seville's Comandancia Naval, where Jimmy Cornell received the Cross of Naval Merit, the highest civilian distinction awarded by the Spanish Ministry of Defense, in recognition of his involvement in highlighting the maritime exploit that was this 1st round-the-world expedition.
Before leaving Seville, the crews were invited to light a candle during a symbolic ceremony at the Church of Santa Ana, where Magellan and his crew were blessed 500 years ago. The fleet, which includes five Allures sailboats, set sail early on Sunday, October 24, heading for Santa Cruz de Tenerife in the Canary Islands, where the official start of rallie on November 21.
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