Blue Water Rally visits the Galapagos

by Peter Seymour on 20 Feb 2008
Following a trouble-free and timely transit of the Panama Canal, the next destination for the Blue Water Rally is the Galapagos Islands – Darwin’s Enchanted Isles. Everyone will know of Charles Darwin and his book, The Origin of Species, and his theory of evolution, which has affected our thinking on the subject since his journey to the Galapagos in 1835. Now Blue Water Rally crews on the 30 yacht fleet will be brought face-to-face with Darwin’s experience and observations as they visit the Islands.

What especially attracted Darwin's attention were the diversely-shaped beaks of the 13 species of finch, each adapted to its own food supply, yet all evidently descended from a single ancestral species. The Woodpecker Finch, for example, uses cactus thorns to extract insects or worms from holes and crevices inaccessible to its beak - one of very few birds in the world known to use a tool. Many plants and animals, too, have adapted. Not least of these are the famous Galapagos tortoises, some of which have developed saddleback shells so that they can reach vegetation higher up the plants than other tortoises can.

The Galapagos Islands have retained this fascinating evidence of evolution because of their unique position, isolated from the mainland of South America. However, these ecosystems and species remain in a fragile state given the impact of human visitations over recent centuries.

This is the 7th such visit by the Blue Water Rally to the Galapagos Islands and will, as ever, be a major highlight of the circumnavigation. Rally yachts will have to remain at anchor in the port of Puerto Ayora on Santa Cruz Island and undertake their explorations from small cruise vessels with specialist guides. Routes for each cruise vessel are pre-determined and this is aimed at reducing the impact on the ecosystem of each island when humans land.

Puerto Ayora is in a small bay, home to the smaller cruise vessels and is a minor commercial centre where everything arrives by sea. There are restaurants, bars, small hotels, tourist shops and dive schools. Everywhere one is continually reminded of the special environment that is the Galapagos. Sealions abound in the bay and are even found relaxing in yacht tenders! The waters are full of marine life which attracts pelicans and other birds and crews will encounter marine iguanas which swim past their yachts.

Most crews have booked cruises well in advance to coincide with their planned visit. At least two cruise vessels have been booked by Rally crews for 4 and 5 day cruises enabling them to share the amazing experience of exploring the islands. Others will be taking day trips and some will be enjoying the amazing diving conditions of the Galapagos Islands on specialist dive vessels.

Crews will be assisted in the complex arrival arrangements by the Rally Support Team. There will be refuelling whilst yachts are at anchor and yachts will have supervision whilst crews are away for local cruising. All in all one of the greatest experiences of the circumnavigation and a unique destination for the Blue Water Rally.