Confronted with some dramatic administrative problems in getting the cruises off the ground, the two Blue Water Rally cruises on `Daphne' and `Coral' were finally launched on Wednesday 17th March. Four days later the 50 rally participants returned to Puerto Ayora full of praises for how enjoyable everything turned out. Certainly Ian and Glenda (Lucy Alice) were full of praise and clearly stated that everything surpassed their expectations. This sentiment has been echoed throughout those that went on the excursions around the islands and although not cheap the trips were considered a `highlight' by those taking part.

Today (Sunday 21st) with the sun directly overhead the equator (and the Galapagos) many are taking things gently ahead of what are likely to be two frenetic days of activity before the main rally departure next Wednesday (24th). There will be refuelling, rewatering, clearance admin, gas collection and last minute reprovisioning ahead of the longest passage of the circumnavigation - 3040 nm to the Marquesas Islands. I bet there will, however, be a final few beers taken in the `Rocks' Pub which has very firmly become the rally meeting place.