With sundowners or a social activity almost every night, there's lots of opportunity to meet other crews. All part of the rally crew fee, these events are great fun and are an important part of the cameraderie and support of the rally experience.
Las Palmas is a big marina, and it would be difficult for people based on one dock to meet and socialise with those at the other side of the marina, so with 95 boats docked across the marina, having parties in a central location makes sense.
The hour and a half-long sundowners are supported by local companies and marine business like HiperDino, Alisios, Peters & May, Admiral Marine and Rolnautic. Their support not only keeps the beers flowing - thank you!
Other rally parties include welcome drinks and tapas in Barracuda restaurant, the famous costume party (this year the theme is 'under the sea') and the farewell drinks in the Pueblo Canario.
It's not all parties. The seminar series is also included in the crew fee - 13 talks on topics including ocean fishing, downwind sailing, double-handed sailing, emergency management, provisioning and satellite communications.
While they're in Las Palmas, the sailors can join a tour to plant trees with local environmental group in the ARC Forest in the mountains above Las Palmas - popular with adults and child alike.
The children aren't left out - there is a beach fun afternoon and during the last week all children aged between 6 and 16 can take part in kids' club run by the Federacion de Vela. The club is a great way for the 37 children sailing in this year's rally to make friends, and for Mum and Dad to have time to themselves on the boat.