Note : for previous reports, see our Report Archive.

Arrival in the West Indies and the start of Caribbean Cruising

All Blue Water Rally yachts except Cayuco, Big Blue and Aqua Libre have now safely arrived in the the Caribbean. `Cayuco' is expecting to arrive in Nelson's Dockyard, English Harbour, Antigua on Sunday 16th December and `Big Blue' is now making good progress in mid Atlantic. Aqua Libra has communications difficulties and as yet we do not have an ETA for them. `Kaimin' and `Miss Styx' are in Guadeloupe, `Marianne' is on passage for Curacao (Marianne Plante contracted dengue fever in Antigua and is currently in hospital in Antigua) and Eric has been assisted by Roderick De Boer (from Heidenskip) in crewing the yacht. `Moonshadow' is on passage to Grenada. All other 29 yachts are in Jolly Harbour having a great time. Morale is extremely high and everyone is feeling justifiably proud of their achievement in sailing across the Atlantic.

The Ocean Cruising Club (OCC) kindly hosted a party for the rally at Castaways Beach Bar at Jolly Harbour on Monday 10th December and this set the pattern for some really exhuberant partying ever since! On Wednesday 3 coach loads of rallliers toured the island of Antigua, courtesy of the Ministry of Tourism. They visited Betty's Hope sugar mill, the Devil's Bridge with its blow holes and impressive crashing seas and a guided tour of the historic Nelson's Dockyard in the heart of English Harbour. The tour concluded at OJ's beach restaurant where everyone enjoyed an excellent buffet lunch and a chance to swim. Last night (Thursday 13th Deecmber ) the Rally was hosted by the Ministry of Tourism, La Perla Living International and Jolly Harbour Marina to a party at the Jolly Harbour Golf Club. A steel band, dancers and a DJ got everyone on the dance floor and there were presentations and a sumptuous buffet all to be accompanied by plenty of rum punches!

The rally have now been briefed on the next leg of the rally and already yachts are starting to move off to English Harbour for a few days or to cruise the East coast of Antigua where the anchorages of Nonsuch Bay and Green Island beckon. All this social activity has been against a backdrop of yacht maintenance and repairs, but although extremely hard pressed the local boatyards have been able to cope and four yachts have been hauled for antifouling and a topside polish. Next stop Panama!

Tony Diment's reports from Jolly Harbour, 10th December 2007

In addition to the 11 arrivals notified to you on Sat 8th December the following yachts have safely arrived in Jolly Harbour as at midday 10th December:
Imagine
Baccus
Glendora
Rascal
Tapestry
Anahi
Zipadedoda
Pank
Jenny
Spectra

Tony Diment's latest report from Jolly Harbour, 8th December 2007

Just to keep everyone informed please note the following further safe arrivals in Antigua as at 1530hrs (local) 8th December:

Blue Raven
Fine Fleur
Hakuna Matata
Our Island
Lousill
Paramour

Tony Diment reports on arrivals at Jolly Harbour Marina, Antigua - 5th December 2007

The following yachts have now arrived in Jolly Harbour Marina:

Moonshadow
Marianne
Heidenskip
Pelle V
Canopus

`Lousill' and `Our Island' are expected to arrive tomorrow (Thursday 6th December). So far the concensus view has been that it has been a good Atlantic crossing albeit with slightly light winds in the approaches to Antigua. All Blue Water Rally yachts are being presented with baskets of Caribbean fruit and rum punches on arrival and this has shortly afterwards been accompanied by the sound of champagne corks!

ATLANTIC CROSSING LANZAROTE TO ANTIGUA

Most yachts departed Lanzarote around 17 November anticipating a crossing of around 3 weeks to Antigua. During the crossing the Blue Water Rally and Rally Antigua yachts will maintain contact with each other via a daily roll call through their HF/SSB radios managed by a volunteer from within the fleet. This enables positions to be recorded and safety and other messages to be exchanged between the yachts, which may be some considerable distance apart.

Keeping in Touch …….
The Net Controller passes a daily position report of yacht positions to our Rally Office in UK and a general position of the fleet and news items are posted elsewhere on this website using the support of the Yachtplot organisation. The positions of individual participants are recorded on their own websites, also by Yachtplot. As the weather in the Atlantic is somewhat unpredictable in November and December our organisation is also providing a daily weather forecast, which is passed to the fleet by the Net Controller each day. However, this is the formal part of the communications arrangement and there is much exchanging of information and general chat between yachts by radio at other times. Over the 2800-mile passage the Rally will need to change their shipboard clocks several times as they head west. By the time they reach Antigua there will be a time difference of some 4+ hours from their departure point in Lanzarote. These time changes take place at specific times and dates during the voyage so that everyone remains in contact!

Logistics Support
Inevitably with a fleet of over 30 yachts gear and technical equipment will fail from time to time. During the voyage the Rally Office is kept busy sourcing spares, which have to be delivered to Antigua. There are also demands for support from specialists, such as electronics experts and sailmakers on arrival. These are passed to our Support Team who liaise closely with these suppliers and stand by for the arrival of the yachts. This support, which keeps Rally yachts “on the move” for the 20 months of their world voyage, is a vital feature and a keynote of rallying.

and …… on arrival
The Rally will arrive in Antigua at Jolly Harbour Marina which has hosted our last 6 Rallies. Jolly Harbour is a full-service marina and pontoon berthing has been specially reserved for the Rally fleet. There are bars, restaurants and an amazing Caribbean white-sand beach. There is a programme of events, which includes welcome parties, the world-famous rum-punch and reggae sunset experience at Shirley Heights and an island tour given by the Antigua Tourist Board. All this and Christmas in the Caribbean!

PUERTO CALERO LANZAROTE – FINAL REPORT

Our last week at Puerto Calero was a busy one – not just with the usual last-minute preparations for departure, but with additional social and tourist events. We had a second island tour – this time to the north of Lanzarote - a Rally Dinner and the Puerto Calero Visitors’ Party. There was, of course, a leg briefing for the Atlantic leg to Antigua.

Island Tour
Over 50 crew members joined the second island tour, provided by the Lanzarote Tourist Board, which took in 3 main sights – the Manrique Cactus Garden, the Cuevas Verdes and the Mirador del Rio. How does one describe a cactus garden? Well, it was a fascinating experience for everyone and another example of the enormous contribution made by Cesar Manrique, the island’s most famous “son”, whose philosophy was to integrate art with nature.

Then it was on to the caves. The Cuevas Verdes – caves created by lava flows, over hundreds of metres in length and descending well below the surface. Concealed lighting provided an amazing backdrop to the natural formations – yet another natural wonder of the island. The tour continued by coach to the Mirador del Rio for Ralliers to obtain spectacular views of the coastline and the Isla Graciosa to the NW.

Rally Dinner and “Accidental Jibe”
None of us really knew what to expect when we were told that we were to be given a Rally Dinner at the prestigious Jameos del Agua. We were aware that they were caves and an entertainment facility, but we had no idea how splendid the occasion was to be. Over 100 Ralliers departed in 2 coaches from Puerto Calero and, on arrival, were led into the underground caverns of the Jameos del Agua to enjoy a special walk though the spectacular cave and lake system to the dining area. Here we were treated to a delicious meal and professional entertainment by a local folkloric group.

Thank you Director Hector Fernandez and the Patronato de Turismo de Lanzarote for all your generosity and support throughout our stopover and, in particular, for this magnificent occasion.

It was also time for the first performance by our very own musical ensemble – “Accidental Jibe”. The 2007 Blue Water Rally enjoys the participation of a large number of musicians and singers. By the end of our stopover at Puerto Calero the guitarists and singers had formed “Accidental Jibe” and they entertained us after dinner. The photographs tell the story and we look forward very much to further performances by this highly talented group of musicians over the coming months.

Leg Briefing and Whaleforce
On Wednesday Richard Bolt gave the Atlantic leg briefing. Before each leg a member of the Support Team briefs the skippers and answers their questions. In particular we cover communications, navigation, safety issues and arrival arrangements for the next port.

Richard also welcomed Clio Smeeton and Ken Weagle of Whaleforce, an international cetacean survey organised by the Cochrane Ecological Institute of Canada. The charity which is running Whaleforce was started by Beryl and Miles Smeeton, who will be well-known for their outstanding contributions to cruising from the 1950s to the 1970s. Their daughter, Clio, is now President of the Charity. Clio and Ken gave a most interesting talk and many participants will be assisting in logging whale sightings during their circumnavigation with the Blue Water Rally.

The Puerto Calero Visitors’ Party and a Big Thank You to our Hosts.
Each year Puerto Calero gives a party for their visitors and we were delighted to be included on this occasion. Drinks and canapés were served to the many guests and our own yacht crews at the Amura Restaurant. A speech of welcome was given by Don Jose Calero, owner of Puerto Calero to which he gives his name.

Luckily we were able to make our own contribution to the occasion, this time with the participation of our keyboard musicians. Jean-Michel of Canopus provided his keyboard and Pat Gordon of Canopus, Adam Dyer of Lowena, Michael Harwood of Anahi and Peter Skov Munck of Lousill. They entertained a gathering which continued until late that night.

This is the first time that the Blue Water Rally has used Puerto Calero and our stay has been a wonderful success. We have been made welcome by Don Jose, his sons and all his team and been impressed by the professionalism of his staff throughout the organisation. (We have already commented on the outstanding marine facilities and the complex where we have enjoyed so many happy hours.) It was, therefore, an excellent opportunity for Richard Bolt on behalf of Blue Water Rallies to express our thanks and make a small presentation on our behalf to Don Jose and his Marina Manager, Constante Lorenzo. Although there were many people who helped us, our thanks must also go in particular to Melanie Symes, who assisted our Support Team right through the planning process and during our stay.

Thank you Puerto Calero – we look forward to returning in future years!

EARLY DEPARTURES FROM PUERTO CALERO ON THE ATLANTIC LEG

Light winds and a professional forecast for the fleet
As the Blue Water Rally is a cruising event, skippers decide when they wish to depart from a port of call. Departures for the Atlantic leg from the Canaries to Antigua are no exception - weather patterns in the Atlantic are notoriously difficult to predict at this time of year and our smaller and slower yachts often wish to depart earlier than some. The traditional adage is for sailing vessels seeking the tradewinds to “head south until the butter melts, then turn right”. This normally takes place some 200-300 miles north of the Cape Verde Islands.

Because of the uncertainty over the weather we have organised a daily forecast for the fleet for the Atlantic crossing. In their first overview our professional forecasters have commented that it is likely to be a slow first week, with the tradewinds looking to become non-existent. It looks as though better winds will not arrive until the middle of next week.

Early departures
Nonetheless, Spectra (Andy and Becky) left on Wednesday 14th, with Glendora (Lee and Teri), Neva (Peter and Dorothy), Paramour (Ian and Viv) and Rascal (David and Silvija) departing on Thursday 15th. Friday 16th saw the departure of Namani (Markus and Nana) and Seabright (David and Jo). Most of the remainder of the fleet is likely to leave on Saturday, although there is talk of delaying for a couple of days for more favourable winds.

The only certain delay at the moment is Big Blue (Mike and Lorraine), who are having to wait for the completion of some engineering before leaving and expect their ETD to be on Tuesday 20th or Wednesday.

Final events
Our stopover at Puerto Calero has been a very happy and enjoyable one. The professional support (so vital for yachts preparing for their Atlantic crossing) has been exceptional and we have had a great number of social and tourism events, both formal and informal, throughout our stay. In our news update we shall report on the second Island Tour, the magnificent Rally Dinner, which was hosted by the Lanzarote Tourism Board and the Puerto Calero Visitors’ Party. Watch this space………….

DEPARTURE WEEK AT PUERTO CALERO - UPDATE 11 NOV 07
It’s been a great 10 days or so here at Puerto Calero and now we are beginning to look forward to our departure for the Big One -the Atlantic crossing to Antigua. But before we leave there is still plenty to do on the Blue Water Rally yachts and some more social activities.

Stop Press -Rally yacht wins the McSorley’s Regatta!
Despite the no-racing rule for the Rally there was no reason why 4 Blue Water Rally yachts should not take part in the local Puerto Calero evening race sponsored by McSorley’s Irish Bar. With the promise of a free crew supper and a bottle of champagne for the first yacht over the line there were plenty of crew volunteers who found places on Bly, Penelope, Imagine and Heidenskip for the start at 1630 on Friday evening.

Sadly very light winds meant a shortened course, but Heidenskip showed a great turn of speed to complete the race against strong local opposition. In fact Heidenskip powered home in first place to take the winning gun, the champagne and trophy. Well done, Heidenskip and crew! The evening at McSorley’s lived up to expectations as the premier yachtie bar here at Puerto Calero, with plenty of partying and tall stories recounted!

Local Touring -What an amazing island and landscape!
We reported a highly enjoyable outing last Tuesday, courtesy of the Lanzarote Tourist Board. Many Rally crews have rented cars and have since been exploring this fascinating island, which has exceeded everyone’s expectations. Several crews visited local markets over the weekend and others visited the Timanfaya National Park and its Mountains of Fire. Everywhere one is in sight of a volcano and we have all marvelled at the ability of the local people to create an agricultural industry in such a hostile environment. Vines are cultivated and irrigated in individual plots surrounded by low protective walls of volcanic material. Despite these difficulties we can confirm that the product, which has been subject to much testing by Rally crews, is excellent!

Work goes on !
With departure in sight work on individual yachts has, of course, been continuing. We reported the liftout of Canopus, Zipadedoda and Namani, which are now all safely back in the water. Thanks to excellent cooperation between the crew of Namani and Seabright, Namani’s two coats of anti-fouling were applied in the space of one day and Namani is now guaranteed extra boat speed for her crossing to Antigua!

As we predicted in Gibraltar, chafe becomes an issue on long downwind passages. Several crews have already found chafe affecting their sails and rectification has been taking place. There will be plenty of work for the sailmakers in Antigua when we get there!

The boatyard here continues to give an excellent service and this has included the refilling of gas bottles. We expect to see a number of specialists visiting Blue Water Rally yachts from Monday onwards for further work. We are also hopeful that various packages, including the all-important redirection of a spinnaker pole for Aqua Libra, will arrive in the next couple of days.

Social and Tourism
It goes without saying that Rally crews have been getting together in the many restaurants and bars here and there are still some programmed activities before departure. On Tuesday there will be another Island Tour -this time to the north of the island. However, the main event for the Rally takes place that evening -a Rally Dinner given by the Tourist Board in our honour at one of the most prestigious locations on the island -the Jameos del Agua. Our crews have also been given personal invitations to Marina Puerto Calero Visitors’ Party on Thursday and there will also be an informal pre-departure Rally lunch at the Bistro Ida on Friday.

Welcome to the Accidental Gybe Musical Ensemble!!
Within a Rally there have always been a number of talented musicians and singers and it would appear that the Blue Water Rally 2007-9 is no exception. In an earlier report we mentioned a rumour of a musical group within the fleet. We can now report the formation of the Accidental Gybe Musical Ensemble, which is to make its first public performance at the Rally Dinner on Tuesday. We look forward to listening to this talented group and to reporting back to you in a future update.

The Atlantic Leg Briefing
Before every leg of the Blue Water Rally there is always a briefing covering navigation, communications and weather. This all-important briefing for skippers will be given by Support Manager Richard Bolt on Wednesday.

Enough for now - the sun is shining and all is well amongst the Blue Water Rally fleet here at Puerto Calero.

REPORT FROM PUERTO CALERO 7th November

The sun continues to shine and Ralliers have settled into their shore routines.

Yesterday we had a coach tour, courtesy of the Tourist Board, to the South of the island. For those who don't know, Lanzarote is known as the 'Island of Fire' - there are allegedly 100 volcanoes and fumaroles here and a lunar landscape recognised by UNESCO as a Reserve of the Biosphere. Our group enjoyed views of salt pans, boiling holes and a lake of green water before stopping at the island's volcano museum for a light and sound simulation of a volcanic eruption - somewhat scary for our youngest participants! However, it was the reality of the power of nature next at the Mountains of Fire in the Timanfayo National Park which really impressed!! Here ralliers were shown hot volcanic sands capable of igniting dry wood less than a metre from the surface and water being superheated by volcanic action.

Back at the marina work has continued - either self-help or by using the excellent professional facilities in the boatyard. In the boatyard manager Queco and his deputy Lucy are coordinating the many demands from the Blue Water fleet. At 0830 yesterday Zipadedoda was lifted out for maintenance followed by Canopus a little later. There will be others having liftouts in the next few days. Tapestry, who had problems en route with a broken bracket on their engine have their repair underway. Numerous other mechanical, electrical and sailmaking tasks are in hand for other yachts, utilising the various specialists on site.

Tonight we are looking forward to a special Whales and Dolphin presentation here at the Whale Museum in the marina. The Whale Museum is one of the premier tourist attractions on the island and we are particularly privileged to enjoy this special arrangement which has attracted a full house of 65 crew members from the Rally.

STOP PRESS : 1641 Local time - 'Fine Fleur', the last remaining fleet participant, arrived in Puerto Calero to a VERY warm welcome!

TAPESTRY ARRIVES TO A WARM WELCOME

After 3 failed attempts to leave Gibraltar and further mechanical problems en route, Tapestry (Ian and Lesley Bloom) finally rejoined the Blue Water Rally fleet yesterday in Puerto Calero, Lanzarote. There was a great turnout of Rally crews at the visitors berth to welcome them in to the marina and back to the 'family'.

Their problems (and frustration) started with major steering problems and continued en route with a mechnical failure which obviated using their engine when the wind died at halfway. Anyway, they are now here, morale suitably restored after our Blue Water Rally welcome party last night and the arrival of an engineer we arranged for them this morning.

Welcome back Lesley and Ian!

PUERTO CALERO MARINA, LANZAROTE – A TIME TO RELAX. –3 NOVEMBER

Well, the “met man” got it right for us for the first leg of our 7th world rally and there were near perfect conditions for the fleet for the passage to Lanzarote. With winds setting from the northeast around 20 knots continuously until the fourth day, yachts were cruising at their maximum potential and crews have enjoyed a great sail to their first port of call – Puerto Calero Marina on the south east coast of the island. Several yachts tried out their new fishing equipment and techniques learnt in Gibraltar and, whilst there were several stories on arrival of “the one that got away”, David Kerr of Zipadedoda brought back photographic evidence of “the one that didn’t” which we can share with you here!

There were naturally some very fast times but the Support Team in the form of Richard Bolt and Peter Seymour were in time to greet yachts as they arrived in the marina. Good early preparation between our organisations and a very professional marina staff has meant that there have been few problems with arrival procedures and berthing has been guaranteed for all, even at this very busy time in the Canary Islands.

A look at our Home Page shows the marina which has been beautifully laid out and designed to fit in with the amazing landscape of this volcanic island. Along the length of the marina there are a range of bars and restaurants, now heavily populated with Ralliers swapping stories and generally relaxing in the very warm sunshine. There have been informal gatherings at several venues and McSorley’s Irish (and yachtie) bar has attracted large groups already and last night the Support Team organised a very convivial(!) get-together at Café Ida to get the evening going.

But there is a serious side ,too, and the full-service boatyard on site has been meeting many planned (and several unplanned) bookings for work. There are demands for various forms of mechanical and sail repairs and several yachts are having liftouts. The response from the yard has been excellent and well coordinated and very professional. However, we held our breath yesterday when “Bly” had to have a major rig check after damaging their pole track and reporting problems with furling gear. The check has certainly proved worthwhile as another, potentially more serious, mast problem was found and will be resolved this week. Elsewhere radios and electronics are being repaired and “tweaked.” One of the advantages of the great features of the Blue Water Rally is also coming into its own here as many of the skills of the various crew members are being shared to resolve each others problems. There have also been reports that some of the many musicians we have in the fleet were practising together in the early hours of this morning, but it may only be a rumour……

We have also reported the delays to Ian and Lesley on “Tapestry”. They are now expected here tomorrow (Sunday) and a great Rally welcome is planned for their arrival.

As usual, our crews want to see as much as possible of the countries they visit and Lanzarote is no exception. Some have already hired cars and there are two coach tours arranged, courtesy of the Ministry of Tourism, who will also kindly be hosting a Rally dinner on the 8th November. We know that there a huge interest amongst our crews in the flora and fauna of the countries they visit and, naturally, in marine life. The waters around these islands are an important breeding ground for whales, so on Wednesday a special talk on whales and dolphins is being given to us at the Whale and Dophin Museum here at the marina.

So, a great start for the combined Blue Water / Rally Antigua fleet and we look forward to welcoming “Tapestry” and “Fine Fleur” to Puerto Calero very soon.

THEY'RE OFF! THE BLUE WATER RALLY 2007-9 STARTS ITS WORLD VOYAGE

Last days of preparations

During the last few days Rally crews have put the final touches to their preparations and many have had visits from friends and family at Ocean Village, Marina Bay, who have been sharing the warm sunshine. The Farewell Reception given by the Minister of Tourism, the Hon. Joe Holliday, on Thursday evening was particularly enjoyable - Ralliers, their crews and families gathered in the splendid setting of The Mount, a lovely house and garden with views of Algeciras Bay. Our ministerial host, who has now hosted all our 6 previous Rallies, was particularly delighted to see several families with children taking part and presented each of them with a toy ape and each skipper with a souvenir book . (We are not entirely sure that the parents will be as pleased as their children with "squeaky" toys on board!)

On Friday there was a group photograph, duty-free and other supplies were loaded and final preparations completed. Early on Saturday morning there was a skippers' briefing, led by Rally Director Tony Diment, to ensure that all were happy with the weather and departure plan for Sunday. With the prospect of easterly winds of around 20 knots and several hours of tide to push Rally yachts out of the Straits and into the Atlantic, plus favourable winds towards Lanzarote, there were no complaints!

That evening - our last before departure - was naturally full of emotions and a final social gathering took place - "sundowners" at the Little Mermaid kindly hosted by Robert Stevens, MD of GH Insurance/Topsail, who have provided insurance for Blue Water Rally owners for many years.

Departure Day

Departure Day dawned with warm sunshine and the bonus of a time-change (and thus a very welcome extra hour in bed). However, it was still a case of slipping mooring lines at 0830 amidst shouts of farwell from the many friends gathered at the Marina. Yachts headed towards Europa Point, where they gathered at a designated forming-up area prior to the countdown given over VHF. The outer end of the line at sea was marked by a Royal Naval patrol vessel, HMS Scimitar. High up on the viewing area at Europa Point crowds gathered to watch the spectacle and to wait for the field gun of the Royal Gibraltar Regiment to fire the starting signal. Over the radio crews heard the minutes counted away as they motor-sailed towards the start line. No one could miss the sound of the gun as the gun crew fired their artillery piece promptly at 1000 hours and the Rally was away on its 28,000-mile voyage of a lifetime.

As organisers we wish Rally skippers and their crews fair winds as they sail their dream through some of the most beautiful cruising areas of the world. Next stop Lanzarote.............

FINAL COUNTDOWN TO DEPARTURE

After an extremely successful visit to Smir in Morocco Rally yachts and their crews have returned to Ocean Village, Marina Bay for their Departure Week. Yachts are now dressed overall and make a magnificent sight in the bright Mediterranean sunshine.

The week started with final briefings for the departure from Gibraltar on Sunday 28th, with particular emphasis on the complex currents and tidal conditions in the Gibraltar Straits. Rally Directors, Tony Diment and Peter Seymour, also covered communications and routeing arrangements for the leg to Lanzarote, our first destination around the world. There were also discussions on Caribbean cruising and arrangements for Panama.

Few participants have had experience of deep-sea fishing, so Tony arranged for a local fishing expert to pass on his expertise to the assembled Ralliers after the morning's briefing. Most Rally yachts are now sporting new rods and discussions have been centring on who would catch the biggest fish. The Rally organisers have demanded to see the photographic evidence and we shall undoubtedly have a photograph of the winner on this site in due course!

On Tuesday owners were privileged to be entertained by His Excellency The Governor and Lady Fulton at their Residence, The Convent, in central Gibraltar. This gave an excuse for everyone to dress for the occasion and make a change from shorts and shirtsleeves, which have become the order of the day during the busy preparatory period. The next day a large group went on a coach outing to the beautiful town of Ronda and, despite the rain, had a most enjoyable outing, visited the oldest bullring in Spain and gained an insight into Spanish history. They returned to meet up with the "staybehinds" for a wine-tasting courtesy of Albor and Saccone & Speed.

We are now on the "final lap" with crews attending a farewell Reception this evening hosted by the Gibraltar Minister of Tourism, the Honorable Joe Holliday in the beautiful setting of "The Mount", once the home of the Commander British Forces, high up on the side of the Rock.

Three days to go and the weather looks set fair for the Rally Departure on Sunday.............

GETTING READY FOR THE “OFF” - BUSY TIMES AT GIBRALTAR ………..

And so the 7th trans-Atlantic and round-the-world rallies to be organised by the Blue Water Rally management team, over the past 12 years, gets underway in Gibraltar. Marina Bay is a hive of activity as yacht crews arrive and last minute spares are delivered … and of course there is the all important business of getting to know how the rally operates and who one’s fellow compatriots are; and there have been safety and communications seminars, discussions, outings, parties and more parties. So it’s definitely not all work and no play, and lots of fun is being had by all!

Yesterday evening (Thursday 18th October), crews from Rascal, Paramour, Tapestry, Stargazer, Big Blue and Sea Bright enjoyed a privileged guided tour of The Rock’s “Lower Caves” (not to be confused with the well-known St Michael’s Cave!). These caves are not open to all but, through BWR’s extensive contacts, participants are able to crawl, climb, scramble and paddle their way through some of the most spectacular caverns, chambers and tunnels festooned with gigantic stalactites and resonating stalagmites. More crews will have the opportunity to do the same this evening and again on Monday.

Cruise between two continents

This weekend is the pivotal moment when all yachts get their first chance of sailing together and checking out the communications systems and procedures as they sail in company across to the African port of Smir. Here our crews will have a great opportunity to come to grips with real Africa, visit the ancient town of Tetuan, bargain for carpets and spices in the souk and party Moroccan-style. The evening will have a special theme as Tony Diment (one of our rally directors) has worked hard to find a wide-screen television where we can watch the England – South Africa Rugby World Cup final. The Metro strike in Paris may be making travel difficult for British fans, but our crews are sailing to Africa to view the action! Let us hope our English yachts return to Gib in triumphal fashion on Sunday. It is probably fortuitous that we have no South African yachts this year … although one or 2 crew members have leanings that way, but that will make for good post-match debate!

There is a strong international flavour to this rally. Whilst the majority of crews are British, there are yachts and crews from Germany, Australia, Italy, America, France, Holland, Sweden and Denmark, making the Rally crews a truly international community.

The countdown week.

Next week our revellers (sorry, that should have been “Ralliers”) will be hosted at a reception by Sir Robert and Lady Fulton, the Governor of Gibraltar and his lady, to mark the importance of this epic adventure that our yachts are embarking upon. It may be more common to hear of small yachts circumnavigating the globe, but that does not detract that it is still a major and bold undertaking. Extraordinary things will be done by ordinary people as our floating village goes round the world for the next 2 years. As a further memento of their voyage, the Minister of Tourism will autograph yacht log-books with an official mark of authority, and will also be hosting a farewell reception for the rally crews.

And so, on Sunday 28th October, at 1000 hours local time, the 2007-2009th joint Blue Water and Rally Antigua rallies will set off , (as always, weather permitting!) to a gun fired from Europa Point by the Royal Gibraltar Regiment, on their dream and adventure of a lifetime!

GETTING READY - RALLY YACHTS GATHER AT GIBRALTAR

Gibraltar has seen the start of countless maritime adventures over the years and has become the start point for many circumnavigations. Since 1995 the Blue Water Round the World Cruising Rally has used Gibraltar and Marina Bay as its base and this year will see the 7th such event departing from there for a world voyage.

In 2007 the Blue Water Rally will be joined by participants in Rally Antigua, which crosses from Gibraltar to the Caribbean every year and also departs from Marina Bay. This year's combined Blue Water Rally and Rally Antigua fleet at Gibraltar numbers 34 yachts and will be assembled for the Departure Fortnight in Marina Bay by 14 October and, weather permitting, depart from Europa Point on 28 October. Although Rally Antigua yacht crews will bid farewell and stay on in the Caribbean more Blue Water Rally yachts will join there, with the fleet being swelled even further by yachts joining in the Pacific and Australia to sail with the Rally back to the Mediterranean, arriving there in April 2009.

Family - Friendly and Truly International

The Rallies are family-orientated and, as in previous years, several young children are taking part. This year the youngest crew member in the fleet is 3-year old Holly Padfield, who is sailing with her parents Paul and Morag on their yacht 'Aqua Libra'. She will have two young friends on Rally Antigua - Nicholas Schweitzer on "Namani" and Beth Naylor on "Sea Bright", both aged 4. The oldest of the children in the fleet at Gibraltar are Bradley (12) and Elena (10) Cage who are sailing round the world on the Blue Water Rally with their parents, Jeremy and Pat, on their 42ft catamaran, 'Hakuna Matata'. (As further testimony to its family-friendly ethos the Blue Water Rally scored a 'first' in 2001 when participants John and Sara Coxon returned to Gibraltar with their new baby, Harry, who was born in Fiji on the way round the world!)

The Blue Water Rally and Rally Antigua also enjoy a truly international status and have this year attracted yachts from 9 countries - UK, USA, Australia, Denmark, Holland, France, Germany, Italy and Sweden. Yachts range in length from 36 feet to around 60 feet and Karl Bisset and his staff at Marina Bay will be kept busy looking after their many varied needs during the Departure Fortnight from 14-28 October. Crews will be undertaking last-minute preparations of their yachts but, equally importantly, they will get together for briefings and social events in the welcoming atmosphere of historic Gibraltar.

Work and Play!

Most of the owners have attended Blue Water Rally seminars in the UK earlier in the year. However, they will now have safety, communications and other briefings from Rally Directors Tony Diment and Peter Seymour and Manager Richard Bolt at a more local venue - the Royal Gibraltar Yacht Club. At the busy Rally Office, generously provided by the Allabroad Sailing Academy in Marina Bay, the Rally Secretary Annette Seymour will be dealing with a host of enquiries from the crews.

But it is not all work and no play : crews will be made welcome by hosts Ocean Village Marina Bay at a welcome party on 17 October and by the first weekend crews will be ready for their first cruise together : a 2-day trip across the Straits to Smir Marina in Morocco. The event gives owners and their crews a chance to test their yachts and equipment and provides an opportunity for them to visit the first of many countries and different cultures they are to see over the coming 20 months.

Dressing Overall and the Final Countdown

Following an ancient maritime tradition the second week starts with the fleet 'dressing overall'. Yachts will fly flags from the masthead and from bow to stern, making a colourful and dramatic spectacle at Marina Bay as the countdown begins to the world voyage. Many crews will now be joined by families and friends who will come to Gibraltar to share in the excitement and perhaps help with final preparations. Most will find time to visit the historic sites of the Rock, including highly popular visits to the military tunnels and caves. Of course there will be a lot of shopping to do and stocking up on duty-free!

The final countdown to departure really begins on Thursday 25 October when owners and their crews will be hosted to a farewell reception by the Government of Gibraltar and the Tourist Board. This year the start of the great adventure is scheduled for 1000 hours on Sunday 28 October. ( Weather permitting, of course, as all our events are cruising-only !!). We expect that, as in past years, a field gun of the Royal Gibraltar Regiment will signal the mass departure of the fleet off Europa Point and a vessel of the Royal Navy will mark the start line.