1. A well equipped yacht

• Recommended size : 11 metres and a speed under power of 6 knots :

Whether it’s a monohull or a catamaran we recommend that you opt for a yacht of 11 metres or more that can run at a minimum of the 6 knots needed to ascend the Amazon!

• Fitting out your boat, it's fundamental :

That’s why we recommend that you attend the training courses that we offer throughout your year of preparation.  You will also be able to benefit from the advice of Albert Brel (nautical journalist) about the sound preparation of your boat.

2. A happy skipper

The skipper must be a happy captain, well balanced, comfortable with himself.  Capable of inspiring confidence in his team, and of taking good decisions in an emergency, while knowing the value of taking note of his crew’s opinion.

He must demonstrate the capacity to listen and to recognise his mistakes.  He must believe completely in safety measures and know how to explain them.

3. A tight-knit crew : Find the right number

• Two
That’s the minimum number required to take part in the Rallye des Iles du Soleil.

• three
That’s the minimum number recommended for long passages and more particularly for the Great Crossing from Cape Verde to Brazil and for the Amazon as well !  That number allows :
- better shifts
- better management of tiredness
- handling possible medical problems (hospitalisation, repatriation) or technical problems(leaks, steering gear breakdown, broken stay…).

• Four and more
It all depends on the size of the boat, its equipment, the experience of the captain and of the crew, the average age aboard and the physical abilities of each of them.  Choose well : establish your reasons honestly.