IMPORTANT : PLEASE NOTE THAT THE BLUE WATER RALLY IS A BIENNIAL (i.e. EVERY 2 YEARS) EVENT.

THE BLUE WATER ROUND-THE-WORLD CRUISING RALLY

The Blue Water Rally maintains its unique status as the round the world rally for cruising yachtsmen. There is no racing whatsoever and it is aimed at families and friends "sailing the dream". In particular, we encourage independent cruising between stopovers. The Rally provides the participants with a club atmosphere and the best possible support for them, both before and during the event itself.

We believe the Blue Water Rally route should be particularly attractive to those contemplating a world cruise. Although we consider that our present trade winds' route and the 20-month time scale are right, we have made certain minor adjustments in the light of recommendations made by our participants. For example, we have managed to extend time spent in the Pacific islands, we have added a stop in Cochin in India, and have allowed time for participants to visit the Maldives in the Indian Ocean. However, we always ensure that planned stopovers allow us to provide fully comprehensive shore support and give owners the opportunity for changing crew.

Some of the benefits of sailing with us are outlined below.

Provisional Dates 2011-13

The provisional dates for the next Blue Water round-the-world Rally are in the table below.  It is emphasised that this is still provisional information, which in some cases may require fine tuning once the destinations have finalised their programmes with us. However, it should permit your early planning for the event.

We would like to highlight that the locations listed are those where support will be provided by the Blue Water Rally support team.   Although the team will not be at Vanuatu or the Maldives, plenty of time to explore them independently has been incorporated in the schedule.  Moreover, the whole schedule is designed to follow the safest and best weather patterns whilst allowing the maximum time for independent exploration of the many fascinating destinations close to the route.

BENEFITS OF PARTICIPATION

Cruise with families and friends ............

The Blue Water Round The World Cruising Rally provides an opportunity for cruising yachtsmen to realise their dream and to circumnavigate the globe in their own yacht. Aimed at crews sailing with families and friends, the Rally enjoys a 'club' atmosphere and there is no racing whatsoever as the Rally sails at leisure through some of the most beautiful cruising areas of the world. Independent cruising is actively encouraged, although a dedicated and highly experienced support team will be on hand at main ports of call to provide professional back-up and help to ensure safety, confidence …. and fun.

Flexibility ..............

Participation can be flexible, too - the organisers may accept participants on a leg-by-leg basis. Ports of call have been carefully selected to provide the best possible facilities for socialising, sightseeing, general maintenance and accessibility. Most are close to international airports to facilitate crew-changing and visits by families and friends.

Safety is a priority .............

The organisers place the highest priority on safety aspects and these receive particular attention at preparatory seminars and briefings. During the Rally an H.F. net is operated during all major ocean passages, enabling individual positions to be regularly checked and logged. There is no fixed minimum size of yacht. However, yachts must be capable of maintaining an average speed of 5 knots throughout the voyage.  We get the best intelligence and take some special precautions to help participants pass through known piracy trouble spots with the least chance of encountering threats.  We have a reputatuion for doing this in an organised, efficient, effective and military-like fashion.

Sound preparation ..........

The organisers also place a high priority on the sound preparation of both crews and their yachts. A regular programme of introductory seminars is held before each Rally and social events are linked to each seminar to enable skippers to meet fellow-participants and potential crew.

Logistics and personal support ..............

The individual yachtsman often finds his voyage marred by breakdowns. The Blue Water Rally organisers provide logistical back-up for the provision of spare and technical support around the world, thus minimising delays and maximising enjoyment of this voyage of a lifetime.

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