GOVERNOR GENERAL’S CUP CARIBBEAN AIR RALLY

Seventh Edition

April 11 – April 23, 2016 2717 NM

Don’t miss this appointment with history rich with adventurous tales, blended cultures, and natural diversity! Organizing the Caribbean Air Rally takes one full year. First, we identify the most friendly and hospitable people: Our Friends, then the most appropriate setting: Our Home, and last, the most exciting program of activities that will surpass your expectations: Our adventure.

The following is a brief outline of the program. The islands hosting the Air Rally in 2016: Turks & Caicos, St-Croix USVI, Martinique, Antigua and Tortola BVI, are preparing a program of activities to make you discover the best of their respective destination.

Sunday April 10 : KFXE Banyan FBO Ft-Lauderdale : Banyan is no doubt the best place to start the rally: with a friendly and professional staff, they meet all your needs with top of the line facility including the largest in the world Pilot Shop. Banyan also provides discounted car rental for the group. 2:00 PM : Register and prepare for the journey ahead starting with a 2 hour International Flight planning and EAPIS/CARICOM workshop and water survival briefing. Suggested hotel information will be provided upon registration

The Itinerary is planned taking into consideration slowest aircraft. Alternate “overland route” is always suggested but not mandatory. The Governor General’s Cup Air Rally is a well-recognized aviation event across the Caribbean; Participants receive the best attention from airport personnel and local authorities. You will be quickly identified and given special attention when wearing your Rally T-shirts when on transit from one airport to another.

CARIBBEAN AIR RALLY STARTS! Monday April 11 & Tuesday April 12: GRAND TURK, TURKS & CAICOS 575 NM Fort Lauderdale KFXE → Exuma Intl MYEF → Grand Turk MBGT

Midway fuel stop: Fort Lauderdale KFXE → Exuma Intl. MYEF 282 NM Odyssey FBO mandatory fuel stop (group discount & 0$ handling charge). Odyssey Aviation expedites customs clearance & refuelling under one roof: Their professional personnel complete the required paperwork and file your international flight plans while you enjoy a relaxing moment in the comfort of their air-conditioned facilities.

After three experiences in 2010, 2012 & 2013 we found Grand Turk TCI to be the perfect place to celebrate the beginning of the Governor General’s Cup Air Rally. Our friend Debby at Provo Air Center will provide discounted fuel in Grand Turk (New in 2016) (0$ handling). We will again enjoy a beautiful stay at the charming Oceanfront Osprey and Bohio Dive resorts: Photos above & WATCH VIDEO RALLY 2012 https://vimeo.com/59042444 Grand Turk is one of the main historical points of Turks and Caicos and one of the best diving places in the Caribbean with easy access to an impressive protected coral reef, which drops to 8,000 feet close enough to shore for beach dives. No crowds no high rise buildings, beautiful waters and white sandy beaches. The island is yours to enjoy! Ride a bicycle, horseback or buggy ride or visit the cruise center, home to the Caribbean’s largest Jimmy Buffett’s Margarita Ville bar, restaurant, and enjoy duty free shopping (photo below).

April 11: Welcome drink at “the Waterloo” TCI Governor’s residence (TBC) followed by a BBQ on the beach.

April 13-14-15 : ST-CROIX - US VIRGIN ISLANDS 458 NM Grand Turk MBGT → St-Croix TISX Optional Midway fuel stop: Aguadilla TJBQ 317 NM (DR coast line) → ST-Croix TISX 141 NM

This will be our First time In St-Croix! Bohlke International Airways, US Virgin Islands Department of Tourism and the Virgin Island Port Authority, welcome the participants to “The American Paradise”: palm trees, golden beaches, steel bands, great diving and a unique culture. We will happen to be in the middle of The St. Croix Food & Wine Experience, a multi-day event that includes gourmet dinners, wine seminars, wine auctions and competition with the participation of famous chefs from all parts of the USA. St. Croix provides

gorgeous beaches, and visiting just the two main towns will give you a glimpse of the island’s incredible history, from the century homes in Christiansted to a tropical rain forest in Frederiksted. An exciting trip into the past awaits you when visiting the historic Cruzan Rum Distillery, located in the heart of the island. We will be staying in the middle of the action in a place we will call Home in St-Croix ! : The hotel on the Cay , located on Protestant Cay, a small island overlooking Christiansted Harbor and only a 5 minutes ferry ride (free) to Boardwalk restaurants and bars.

Protestant Cay is covered by a natural tropical garden inhabited by a variety of seabirds and is surrounded by a beautiful white sand beach. There, we will have access to BBQ grills cooking & bar facilities to create the first ever: Pilots of the Caribbean Food & Rum Festival ! Fiona Horne, Marketing Manager, Bohlke Int. Airways is coordinating the ‘Air Rally

Cook Off and Rum Mixology Competition’ sponsored by Cruzan Rum & Tourism St-Croix. Fiona is a pilot, former Australian rock star, writer and TV host, and a world record holding skydiver. She has a passion for flying and is very excited to meet you all! She and the Bohlke team are working hard to bring you the best of St-Croix

April 15 – We will discover Frederickstead and enjoy the island. In the evening, we are working on a special dinner event with the Mocko jumbies (photo). Quizz and prizes !

2012 Air Rally: Governor Todd received Air Rally participants for a welcome cocktail at the Waterloo, official Government House, in Grand Turk

April 16-17-18 : MARTINIQUE-FRENCH ANTILLES 288 NM St-Croix TISX → Martinique TFFF Martinique is the Rally official turning point. After 5 consecutive years of visiting Martinique, our dear friends, the Martinique Tourism Committee never cease to surprise us with outstanding receptions and exciting activities! It all starts at the airport with a Ti-Punch! Hand your keys to Jet Aviation, Air Rally partner (0$ handling) and get ready for a great time. Martinique airport Authority is also a partner. Martinique’s charm and sophistication, its passion for food, and its celebration of literature & art all point to its strong French heritage.

Martinique is covered with a mantle of lush vegetation, sumptuous rainforests and innumerable species of trees, fruits, plants, flowers and mangroves. https://vimeo.com/63083264

Tour the countryside. Visit small villages, award winning rum distilleries & amazing gardens. This fertile land is blessed by the gods—everything grows in Martinique, mango and breadfruit trees grow on the roadsides, especially in the north of the island.

We will be staying at the 4 star “Hotel La Pagerie” ideally located in the town of Trois-Ilets, the largest seaside resort on the island. Completely renovated and nestled in a tropical garden with a pool bar !

Just around the corner, enjoy the French style boutiques, cafes, terrace restaurants, bakeries & marina

A short ferry ride will get you into Fort de France, the Capital for shopping and sightseeing or hop on a catamaran for a day sail to see the dolphins, snorkel, have a great lunch and enjoy a relaxing day.

Three days is never enough ! More activities and reception details will follow.

Hopefully we will get to enjoy another “pétanque” (bowling) tournament the old French way : with the local pros in a quaint village by the sea setting, enjoying a “Ti-punch” from the local “café” ! This is on MY BUCKET LIST !

April 19-20 : ANTIGUA & BARBUDA 159 NM Martinique TFFF → Antigua TAPA

Our dear friend Neil is again in charge ! Neil is Antigua Hotel & Tourism Association president and every year puts a lot

of effort in hosting the Air Rally in collaboration with Antigua and Barbuda Tourism and the airport Authority.

Antigua recognizes the value of General Aviation ! Welcome celebration and customs clearance all under one roof. Signature Antigua will continue to provide a fantastic service (0$ handling fees) & appreciated fuel discounts

Change of plans !! Antigua has too much to offer to remain within the limits of an all-inclusive resort so we chose luxury in paradise ! Our new Home: Sugar Ridge, a stylish and intimate luxury lifestyle boutique hotel, the perfect place to retreat, relax and re-energise and the perfect base from which to explore

Antigua. VIDEO A natural hillside bordered with sugar cane and filled

with colorful indigenous flora & breathtaking views of the turquoise Caribbean Sea & neighbouring islands provide the backdrop to your stay at Sugar Ridge.

The hotel shuttle will take you to one of the many nearby secluded beaches with interesting seafront beach bar/restaurant. Restaurant Voucher will be provided.

Antigua is known for its beautiful beaches, sailing regattas and historic harbours. Nelson Dockyard's National Park is the only Georgian dockyard in the world, completely restored from its heyday in the late 18th century. The coasts of Antigua are ideal for yacht cruising and racing, with constant trade-winds and many harbours for exploration. World famous Regattas take place every year. April hosts two major regattas: Antigua Sailing week and Antigua Classic Yacht Regatta. We will be just outside of the Regatta dates, but as in 2015 we can create our own regatta race thanks to ondeck, a company specialised in racing initiation.

Off the coast of Barbuda lie the remains of many shipwrecks, while the shores of Antigua are known for colorful tropical fish and calm waters perfect for diving and snorkelling.

Antigua offers a wide variety of restaurants, bars and nightly entertainment. The restaurants in Antigua offer fine dining with both international and authentic Caribbean & Antiguan cuisine, some accompanied by live music. There are also many places where you can enjoy from local drinks to the finest wines and champagnes. Prices are quoted in EC $ around 0.37 USD

Program updates will list proposed activities

April 21-22 : TORTOLA - BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS 176 NM Antigua TAPA → Tortola TUPJ

Our friends, Sharon and Lynette of the British Virgin Islands Tourist Board welcome the Air Rally for the Final Celebrations. Tortola, home to the capital, Road Town is surrounded by beautiful deserted beaches, lush vegetation and great hiking on the Sage Mountain National Park. Tortola offers a great choice of restaurants and Pubs!

In town, there is a good choice of restaurant and pubs (Pussers) In town, there is a good choice of restaurant and pubs (Pussers)

The British Virgin Islands (BVI) is a British Overseas Territory. This Caribbean destination is always an excitement for everyone no matter what age ! Whether it’s the Pirates and their history, the exotic food and beach drinks or just liming on the white sand beaches. Clear waters that surround the islands have been a sailor’s destination since the age of Columbus. No matter the wind strength, there is always an island you can sail to via the Sir Francis Drake Passage. Notorious pirates such as Blackbeard and Captain Kidd were some of the early residents of the BVI. The “Norman Island” is reputed to be the setting for "Treasure Island", the fabulous story of pirates and brigands by English writer Robert Louis Stevenson. The island of Jost Van Dyke welcomes the Rolling Stones during their holidays and features fantastic beach bars with interesting character’s like Foxy, entrepreneur and entertainer.... Every bay or anchorage in these island hosts a different adventure, pig roasts in Leverick Bay, huge rock formations at the Baths National Park, the drop off snorkeling at the Indians, the infamous Willy T’s floating bar and restaurant, the world famous full moon parties at both ends of Tortola, just to name a few. A divers paradise !The wreck of the Royal Mail Steamer (RMS) Rhone that sank in 1867 is lying on a floor slope at a depth of nearly 85 feet, off the Salt island shore and offers one of the best diving experiences in the Caribbean. We aim at visiting as many of these exciting exotic islands as possible!

Lucky you! April 22 is world famous BOMBA SHACK'S FULL MOON PARTY ! This event certainly tops the list of must-dos for the sun-worshipping partier. Bikini donors get a free drink !

BVI is heaven for sailors! Tortola does not have a great deal of hotels with large capacity. To accommodate our group, we searched for easy access to the town, the ferries, bars & restaurants and beach and we found our Home ! Nanny’s Cay Resort the most convenient place to explore the islands and enjoy the casual ambiance of the boating community. Check in and visit Nanny Cay’s Beach Bar, grab a bite and off we go!

Participants will be asked to improvise a pirate disguise before they can board the replica pirate ship Liana’s Ransom Sail back in time! Fire the cannons! Swing from the yardarm! Hoist the sails and walk the plank ! YES FOR REAL ! We will board the boat in the afternoon, drop the anchor and enjoy Bays, Beach and crystal clear 85 degree water

April 22 (suggested) from Nannys Cay, hop on a boat to Jost Van Dyke, a wonderful laid-back small community with more bars per capita than any other place in the world and the food is very good especially at world famous, Foxy's in Great Harbour.

April 23 : BAHAMAS – San Salvador OPTION 1 : 497 NM

April 23 : BAHAMAS – San Salvador Tortola TUPJ → San Salvador MYSN 570 NM (direct route) Low range aircraft will stop in Puerto Plata for fuel and fly straight to MYSM.

This is a day enjoying flying with a special invitation along the way!

Marie invites you to take a detour to attend a special celebration! Tortola TUPJ → Cap Haitian MTCH for lunch & fuel 441 NM

Cap Haitian MTCH → San Salvador MYSM (customs no fuel) 290 NM After a 12 day journey flying PIC across the Caribbean. Marie will lead the Air Rally armada of planes to her country, Haïti. She will be bringing home great pride and will be greeted by her sponsors and Government officials who will welcome all to a luncheon celebration (courtesy of FHEAA & Haiti Tourism).

Airport handling in Cap Haitian, is provided by JCI Aviation services (FBO) , the official American Airline Handler. Cap

Haitian is a recently renovated modern airport. In 2015, Air Rally participants loved their 24hr experience in Haiti. As in 2015, JCI will provide free of charge: great service, security, & refueling. Fuel prices in Haiti are competitive and credit card payment is an easy process. Air Rally participants are exempted from airport & landing fees. The Government of Haiti is providing the support needed to make your short visit to Haiti a great

experience. In 2010 the Caribbean Air Rally had plans to include

Haiti as a hosting destination. Much effort was put into the program. The earthquake put an end to our plans. Instead, our team coordinated a large donation of a Circus du Soleil Tent generously donated to the City of Port au Prince by Tom Schrader from Reno Nevada participant to the Caribbean Air Rally. Photo: from left, Tom, Catherine, Mayor Jason and Mrs Jason and Paulson. During the ceremony, in the background of this photo, was a young girl, Marie, doing a walk around on C172 with her instructor Reginald, founder of the FHEAA foundation. Ignoring the rubble and the apocalyptic environment Marie had only one thing in mind, reach the skies!

Marie personifies "Perseverance” , she is the first totally FHEAA (Haitian non for profit dedicated to introduce young Haitian people to aviation careers) funded pilot to receive her FAA pilot license. Marie, the only female pilot in Haiti is aiming at a career as an airline pilot. She will be joining two other young pilots fully sponsored by the International Air Rally and partners to participate and gain valuable experience and flying time with a group of highly experienced pilots. They will be assisting our committee in their daily task to make your journey worry free and as enjoyable as possible.

Marie will be joining Rainstar, a young Kalinago native from Dominica with also a wonderful story of dedication, passion and hard work. (Take some time to watch this great documentary VIDEO about him and his mentor). Rainstar is now 28 and multi engine instrument rated commercial pilot working hard to gather funds to and log required hours. This became more difficult for Rainstar when he lost the financial support from Dominica due to latest tropical storm devastation. Dana, from Sitka Alaska, is a beautiful motivated young pilot, active member and volunteer of EAA, Woman in Aviation International, and the Ninety-Nines.

Bohlke Int. Airways and International Air Rally are the proud sponsors of the young pilots joining the 2016 Caribbean Air Rally.

Should you need a support pilot onboard, let us know! Young highly qualified IFR & commercial rated pilots are ready to jump onboard. Benefits: Aircraft registration fees will be waived and we will cover the young pilot’s participation cost.

“During this voyage, Columbus benefited from calm seas and steady winds that pushed him steadily westward. But the trip was longer than anticipated. By October 10, the crew's apprehension had increased to the point of near mutiny. Columbus avoided disaster by promising his crew that if land was not sighted in two days, they would return home!. October 12 they arrived at a small island of the Lucayos, called Guanahani. Once sighted, the Island was considered as the “Holy Saviour” and baptised as such, in Spanish: San Salvador”

Second Leg : Cap Haitian MTCH → San Salvador MYSM (customs no fuel) 290 NM Optional fuel stops on the way to San Salvador: MYEF/MYLS or from San Salvador to Florida : MYEC 145 NM

Back home ! Everyone remembers their wonderful experience in 2014 when the rally spent two days in San Salvador and discovered Bahamas best kept secret. Jarmaine, Michelle and the entire community especially the kids welcome the participants. Take a step back in time! In San Salvador, multiple monuments commemorate Columbus’ landfall. This island is World renowned as the first landing point for Columbus in the New World on October 12, 1492.

The island has one of the most unique-looking landscapes in The Bahamas, full of undulating hills, beautiful beaches, numerous salt water lagoons and amazing reefs that surround the greater part of the island. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TRE3MujO4Ew

Lodging: The Sands Residence Hotel & Riding Rock Resort and Marina http://www.sansalresortandspa.com/

Hotels are side by side and water front. To secure beach apartments at The Sands you have to register early (only 10 Units. First come first serve basis)

Riding Rock is a diver-friendly resort & sports fisherman’s best kept secret. Marina Anglers from all over the world have discovered the marine wilderness of San Salvador: Blue Marlin, Wahoo, Dolphin, Kingfish and Tuna cruise the deep blue waters just minutes from the Riding Rock docks. Casual, friendly and right on the edge of the water . Perfect to celebrate new friendships and prepare for the return home

Bond Fire and BBQ diner on the beach at the Sands for our last evening together! Details on program update.

THE END

April 24: Breakfast and transport to airport

San Salvador MYSM → Fort Lauderdale KFXE 332 NM Optional intermediary fuel stop: White Crown Aviation North Eleuthera (MYEC) 145 NM (best fuel rate)

What is the Caribbean Air Rally ?

Not a race! The Rally aims at: increasing awareness, familiarizing pilots with flying procedures while being exposed to continuously changing flying conditions. Pilots increase their capacity and confidence to travel beyond their present boundaries to safely explore new territories.

What makes the Caribbean Air Rally different than other group flying activities?

The mission: promote general aviation and Support Aviation Connection’s educational programs.

The large number of International crews joining every year

The interaction with the locals and the camaraderie spirit making this Flying adventure so unique: A formula

attracting every year more participants in search for a “people to people” cultural experience.

The implication and dedication of hosting islands providing a venue for the participants.

The quantity and quality of the professional team composed of volunteers supervising the flight operations.

International Media

Discounted activities & fuel

Opportunity to meet with the local business community & Government representatives during receptions and

cocktails organised in the honour of the Caribbean Air Rally.

The participation of fully sponsored young pilots looking to gain valuable experience to reach their career goal.

The trophy: The winners of the Governor General’s Cup challenge organised by International Air Rally and presented

by Aviation Connection will be awarded one of the most prestigious aviation trophies the “Governor General’s Cup”

established in 1953 by the Right Honourable Charles Vincent Massey, First Canadian appointed Governor. The rally

competition is an “evaluation” of your aviation knowledge and participation is not mandatory. You can join the Air

Rally as a supporter and decline participation in the competition.

The Caribbean Air Rally is a fund raising event organised for Aviation Connection, a Canadian Charitable Organisation: “Aviation Connection builds the dreams and fuels the passion that inspire and motivate students to persevere in school”.

Aircraft registration: 375 US$ Team registration: 2400 US$ Per person - double occupancy -13 nights

Team Registration Fees include:

Pre-rally Webinar (1 month prior)

Workshops: EAPIS, CARICOM, INTL FLIGHT PLAN, Water survival brief.

Group Team Leader: participants are divided into 3 groups according to aircraft speed and supervised by assigned Organizing Committee Team Leaders.

Kneeboards: An essential source of reference to have before every flight to new destination

Room/breakfast/taxes

Meals/cocktail receptions/partys, as per final program.

Ground transport from and to airport at destination

Airport fees: landing & parking at destination

Fuel & activities discount (group)

Full time escort and attendance: 8 volunteer highly experienced pilots

Briefings & assistance with flight planning and eAPIS/CARICOM

Customs expedited clearance (info forwarded ahead)

Discounted fuel and activities

Air Rally T-shirts : 4 + 1 polo style

Sponsor your Team ! If you have a corporation you could sponsor your Team and receive a Tax deduction. The International Air Rally is a great opportunity to promote your products and services at the International level.

Deductible Sponsorship Amount: 5000 USD This amount covers the registration fees of

2 participants on a double occupancy basis and will provide the following promotional benefits:

Media exposure at destination and through articles in

North American Magazines and occasionally, TV documentaries. Photo: 2015 Air Rally banner

Representation during special functions organised with business community leaders and Government officials

Logo posting on event banner exposed at every destination, website and blog.

Sponsor’s logo can be applied on participating aircraft

Promotional material can be distributed during the event.

Promotional clothing can be worn during the receptions when Rally Tshirts are not required

To register: www.airrally.com Contact: ctobenas@airrally.com

Tel.: (450)-969-2247