Early on the 24th February the last of 5 specially formed groups totalling 28 Rally yachts arrived safely in Djibouti after their transit of the Gulf of Aden. The Gulf has attracted numerous headlines over the last 12 months, particularly because of the hijacking of merchant vessels such as the Sirius Star and ransoming of them and their crews. So, the transit of our yachts has been the subject of not inconsiderable planning and preparation.

Throughout the planning process we have worked closely with the maritime authorities responsible for the safe passage of commercial shipping to ensure our routing and procedures offered the safest possible passage through these waters. Groups were carefully selected for relative speed potential and crews were given in-depth briefings on their convoy, emergency procedures and communications for the 5 days and nights of their transit through the IRTC (Internationally Recommended Transit Corridor).

In November 2008, the Council of the European Union set up a naval mission - EU NAVFOR ATALANTA - to improve maritime security off the Somali coast by preventing and deterring pirate attacks and help safeguard merchant shipping in the region. From mid-December 2008, an EU Naval Task Group, supported by maritime patrol aircraft,has been operating in the region, together with naval vessels from other countries.The Naval Task Group is under the command of Rear Admiral Philip Jones, based at Northwood, United Kingdom. Our crews were under this "umbrella" and our sincere thanks go to all those at Atalanta and other friendly assets who kept them safe.

We've heard that there is a big party in Djibouti tonight!!......

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