15th May 2006 - Kemer to Alanya

 

We left Kemer before dawn having been instructed to arrive at Alanya at set times in daylight.

 

The stoppover in Kemer was superb, and it is almost as if the rally itself received and enthusiasm injection as our group leaders, Dave and Kath off Mashona, were joined by the larger group of valuanteers who'll manage the day to day events from here onward.

 

With another 28 yachts joining at Kemer, the fleet is now up to it's full compliment of 84 vessels, and for logistical reasons has been split into smaller colour coded groupings.

 

We are with the pale blue grouping - and our new group leader is Jim from Dragon Song.  To help the groups get to know one another, EMYR organised a sports day with teams competing in everything from three legged races to tugs of war.  Sounds naff - but actually a really good day in the sun.

 

The wind up party for Kemer was equally good - a formal dinner and dancing under the stars at the marina - which went on well into the wee hours.

 

The local livaboards at Kemer even awaoke early to wave us all off.  They really do have a nice sailing community in this marina and we'll look forward to spending some time back there through the back end of this year and next spring.

 

It was a simple straight line run across from Kemer to Alanya, close to 70 miles with only light winds experienced through midday.  We unlike most others did manage to turn off the engine for at least 3 hours and used our new Code 0 headsail to get good speeds. 

 

Alanya marina is a bit of a misnomer.  The wall to the harbour exists - but nothing else.  Its like being parked in one of those old NCP car parks established on a tip.  We all used anchors to hold our bows out and with a bit of team effort got everyone berthed snugly for the two day visit - although we all pulled up our passerrels overnight as there's a real risk of rats trotting on board.

 

Today out for a coach trip to see some more ruins - then the local coucil are hosting a formal dinner 5 km away in town tonight.  Then tomorrow off across the sea to N.Cyprus. 

 

We'll be sailing at night so as to ensure we all arrive in daylight hours and if the predicted southerly brezzes arrive (thats the direction we wish to go so winds possibly on the nost) - it should be fun being part of an 80 boat fleet all crossing tacks in the dark!

 

Cheers

 

JOHN