The rally departed from Vannes on Friday afternoon on the first lockage of the day. The busy road traffic was stopped for what seemed an age as the 11 rally yachts motored through the swing bridge which crosses the canal leading from the Morbihan into the city of Vannes. The cooperation of the bridge controller was much appreciated!

The following yachts arrived in La Trinite around 5.00pm: Vertigo, Navigo, Close Encounter, Manita, Marita III, Saltwhistle III, Sparkling Spirit, Shenanigan, Asherah, Lucy Alice, Sunbeat II. The marina staff at La Trinite did a great job in keeping the berths open for the rally as this was probably one of the busiest weekends in the year with many yachts on the move and seeking berths.

Early on Saturday morning Andromeda of Plymouth rejoined the rally from Brest amidst a deluge of rain that persisted until late afternoon. Just as the rain finished everyone emerged from their yachts to venture out to the Societe Nautique for pre-drinks at the club and a small prize-giving ceremony. Skippers were handed plaques as momentos of the rally and prizes were given for the photo competition. The Breton seafood dinner at the nearby Mouillage restaurant followed and in turn this was followed by liquers and coffees at the very comfortable L'Arrosoir bar - it became a late night!

A final briefing was held in the Societe Nautique on Sunday morning (2nd August) and plans were made for the return to home ports. Southerly winds will help the fleet on Monday and Tuesday but Northerlies are perversely then forecast to set in for the remainder of the week! By early afternoon Sunday, most yachts had slipped from La Trinite and are now making their way towards Belle Isle and Lorient. Everyone is expected to be congregating off St Evette (Audierne) by Monday night in readiness for passing through the Raz de Sein, Iroise and Chenal du Four on Tuesday ahead of the predicted Northerlies. Some will then make for L'Aberwrach and others may strike out across the channel for home.

It has been a great couple of weeks and although most will be keeping in company as they head homewards, there was a sense of regret as some peeled off to follow their separate ways. Already many are talking about signing up again next year - "to complete unfinished business" and finally cross Biscay.