What is BRally?

BRally is a Sailing in Company initiative designed to integrate the Brazilian coastline into the global routes of circumnavigating sailors.

The route covers the entire Brazilian coast, typically starting in May from Ubatuba, proceeding north along the East Coast, and then turning west along the North Coast toward Soure, before entering the Amazon River region and sailing around Marajó Island.

The BRally calendar is carefully aligned with the seasonal arrival of international sailboats in Brazil and includes a series of nautical, cultural, and social events along the coast.

Registration for Foreign Sailors (in or en route to Brazil)

Via registrations on this website, as well as reports from regional volunteers and international sailing associations, we compile a nationwide registry of foreign sailboats by region. This allows us to better understand and assist with specific needs such as:

• Prolonged stays and anchorage support

• Provisioning and medical assistance

• Mechanical or bureaucratic issues
  
  

When needed, BRally acts as a liaison between foreign sailors and both local and federal authorities to help address these needs efficiently.

Support for Foreign Sailors and Cooperation with Brazilian Authorities

We work collaboratively with Brazilian authorities to support foreign sailors within Brazilian territory—regardless of whether they are formally registered with BRally. Our mission includes:

• Assisting with documentation and navigation procedures

• Facilitating provisioning, registration, and general stay logistics

• Advocating for better integration and understanding between sailors and officials

BRally Events Schedule

BRally events are held at strategic points along the coast to welcome participating vessels. The current calendar includes:

• May: BRally Ubatuba & Ilhabela

• June: BRally Angra Bay

• July: BRally Rio de Janeiro, Búzios, Vitória

• August: BRally Bahia
    ↪ Regatta Abrolhos–Caravelas
    ↪ BRally BTS (Bahia; in progress)
    ↪ Regatta Aratu–Maragogipe
    ↪ Rally Aratu–Recife

• September: BRally Recife, Fernando de Noronha
    ↪ Regata Recife–Noronha (Refeno)

• October: BRally North Coast

• November: BRally Amazon – from Belém to Japiim Grande to Afuá

Additional events are under development and will be incorporated into the official BRally calendar.

Participation and Costs

Participation in BRally is currently free of charge. However, some local events may require separate registration and fees, which are managed independently by their respective organizers. While their websites are usually in Portuguese, they can be easily translated using online tools.

Best Anchorages and Family-Friendly Stops

Recommended anchorages and excellent locations for welcoming guests aboard include:

• Ubatuba

• Urca (Rio de Janeiro)

• Angra Bay

• Salvador (Bahia)

Fleet Movement and Regional Stops

BRally boats sail together as a fleet, with scheduled stops along key regions. Each area features:

• Designated anchorage points and community events

• Marina or docking facilities for provisioning and elder care

• Sailing legs that generally range from a few hours to two days

• Optional extended stays depending on the local agenda

Practical Information

Phone and Internet Access
A CPF (Brazilian Tax ID) is required to purchase a SIM card or mobile data plan. It can be obtained online through the Brazilian consular portal:
👉 CPF for Foreigners – Brazilian Government

Diesel Fuel
Brazil offers various types of diesel. ⚠️ Important: Diesel Verana should not be mixed with other types due to the risk of waxy residue forming in the tank.
Preferred types: S500, S10, or Marine Diesel.

BRally Task Force

Originally established during the COVID-19 pandemic, the BRally Task Force has evolved into a permanent network of regional volunteers.

Its ongoing missions include:

• Collaborating with authorities to improve policies related to foreign-flagged vessels

• Assisting international sailors already in Brazil or en route

• Compiling reports and data to support policy advocacy

• Guiding newcomers on legal and bureaucratic procedures

• Keeping the sailing community informed of rule changes

• Supporting volunteers in providing emergency and daily assistance

• Disseminating up-to-date nautical information across digital platforms

What We Need

From Sailors
We ask captains to share:

• Full name

• Nationality

• Boat flag

• Contact details

• Current or intended location in Brazil
  Registration can be completed through the BRally website.

From Volunteers
We encourage regional volunteers to identify foreign boats, collect basic information, and submit it via the BRally platform to help coordinate local support.

From Authorities
We respectfully request awareness and support for the needs of visiting sailors and encourage revisions to laws and procedures that impose unnecessary challenges.

Who is Captain Silvio dos Passos Ramos?

Silvio dos Passos Ramos is one of Brazil’s few recognized circumnavigators. Renowned for his solo voyage aboard SV Matajusi, he was the first Brazilian to document a full sailing circumnavigation online in real time—pioneering a new wave of digital seamanship.

Silvio’s Contributions to Brazilian Sailing

• Founder of BRally (2012): National effort to place Brazil on global sailing routes

• Creator of BRally Amazon: Promotes sustainable exploration of the Amazon by sailboat

• Coordinator of the BRally Task Force: Over 40 volunteers supporting foreign sailors

• Honorary Member: Recognized by international sailing associations

• Advocate for growth: Helped increase visiting sailboats in Brazil from 15/year to over 160 by 2023

Other Notable Achievements

• Motorsports Champion: Raced and won in Kart, Stock Car, and Formula 1600; became champion at age 70

• Business Executive: Former President and CEO of a U.S. multinational IT company

• Author: Published globally via Amazon, sharing his sailing knowledge and adventures

The Matajusi Project

The seven-year circumnavigation aboard SV Matajusi was a multifaceted journey combining navigation, cultural immersion, and environmental education.

While at sea, Silvio simultaneously led a global company—demonstrating the possibility of integrating professional leadership with a life of exploration.

The project also included training initiatives focused on navigation, weather systems, and sustainable living aboard.

Final Thoughts

Through BRally, BRally Amazon, and the BRally Task Force, Captain Silvio dos Passos Ramos continues to shape the future of Brazilian sailing—creating pathways for international engagement, environmental stewardship, and cultural exchange.

With each new fleet welcomed, the BRally network grows stronger—uniting sailors, volunteers, and communities in an expanding voyage of purpose, connection, and discovery