Leaving Istanbul 

Its official the rally has started my hangover says it has.

Eight boats left this morning early from Atakoy marina

Some earlier than others, for us it felt we hadn’t been to bed.

Istanbul was wonderfully the Blue Mosque (sultan amet) Topkapi and the covered bazaar to us were the highlights also watching the fishermen on the Galeta Bridge and having lunch of fresh fish at one of the many café’s. 

Atakoy is a modern marina the first professional marina in Turkey good facilities and very helpful staff, also a very wealthy clientele. The nearby town is very sophisticated marks and Spencer’s Benetton and even a Starbucks. Very modern boutiques (the cruising budget got a hammering) 

We are a mixed group one Turkish boat two British two French one American one Maltese (with Dutch crew) and one Italian.

Tonight are plan is to stay in Mureffet about half way to Bozcada it is the centre of Turkish wine making about 60% of wine is produced there. A tour of the factory is planned along with some wine tasting. 

We had two formal parties and Cocktail evening with the marina and the Commodore Teoman and a barbeque last night.

Hasan came for the send off and had a Gin and Tonic or three beforehand it was also good to see old friends Gengiz who was on the rally last year.

Well we hope we have a good trip down at least the current will be with us it was hard work coming up the Dardanelles 5 to 6 knots of current against at some points.

Well that’s all for now time to take another headache tablet 

Dave and Kath

Mashona (the boat where the bar never closes)