Prout 50 Wins the Rally

The Caribbean 1500 Rally is the largest and longest-running offshore cruising event in The Americas. The Prout 50SW  "RNR" was one of several catamarans, including a Catana 50 and a Conser 47 in the rally class to participate in the Bahamas leg to Marsh Harbour on 1 November 2010.

The rally was rerouted to Charleston, SC at the last minute due to bad weather. The forecast for the region predicted strong northerlies of about 20-25 knots and rough seas. 

The fleet started in Hampton, VA on a cold Monday morning at 9am and rounded three capes during this approximately 385 mile race, Cape Hatteras, Cape Lookout and Cape Fear.  Conditions were actually a lot more brisk than predicted and the fleet encountered 40 knot gusts and up to 10ft seas.

"RNR" easily logged 200 miles on the first day with a top speed of 20 knots, surfing down a wave with reefed down sails. The crew aboard was comfortable, safe and dry despite the rough conditions, a true testament to her pedigree as a fast and safe blue water cruiser. They managed to cook some gourmet meals and they even caught a fish while underway.

The front runners made it into Charleston early Wednesday morning with "RNR" the second multihull to cross the line. "RNR" won the race on corrected time with a total time of 45hours and 58 minutes, an average of 8.4 knots.

The owner of "RNR" Reg Noble, accepted the trophy at the Charleston Yacht Club on Saturday night at the prize giving event.