The Blue Water Rally heads for Sri Lanka
by Peter Seymour on 6 Jan 2009
Cruising Phang Nga Bay - Blue Water Rally Peter Seymour
After leaving Singapore in mid November Rally Yachts cruised independently up the Malaysian coast to Phuket, taking their departure from that country in Langkawi - and certainly not forgetting to take their 'duty-frees'! Phuket has seen their second Christmas away from home for Rally crews who spent last December in the Caribbean. In early January it's time to set sail again - this time to Sri Lanka.
Phuket has mixed memories for the Rally organisers who recall the terrible events of the tsunami and the close escape of crews and their yachts which were anchored at Phi Phi that fateful Boxing Day morning. Luckily, no dramas this time, but Rally yachts were disappointed to find that the recovery and reconstruction have been slow to materialise and sought alternative venues for their Christmas celebrations.
These ranged from beach barbecues in deserted anchorages with family visitors to the 'full monty' of a traditional Christmas dinner with all the trimmings at one of the beautiful island beach resort hotels. Throughout the world voyage Peter and Dorothy of Neva have entertained the Rally with their songs celebrating Rally events. As the fleet weren't together on this occasion their Christmas song was circulated by email and rousingly sung in many an anchorage around Phang Nga Bay for which the Blue Water fleet apologises to their fellow cruisers!
More cruising amongst the islands after Christmas saw most Rally yachts heading towards Patong Bay to enjoy the New Year’s Eve events in that location. Patong has a worldwide reputation as a serious partying venue and at New Year it is very hectic indeed!! Many Ralliers partied ashore (and dodged the street fireworks!), whilst others, claiming to be more sane and sensible, partied afloat in the safety of the anchorage. 2009 certainly arrived with a bang, and many hangovers, but also came the need to prepare to leave for the Rally's next destination – Sri Lanka.
By 4 January most Blue Water yachts had checked out at Ao Chalong's one-stop-shop and were en route to Galle, the ancient colonial port at the south-western extremity of the island. Some had already reached the Similan and Andaman Islands for brief stopovers, but many have reported on the Rally SSB net that they are heading direct and are anticipating their arrivals from around 9th. Blue Water Support Manager, Richard Bolt, will be on hand to meet crews and there is a great Rally programme for them to enjoy, particularly tours to the historic sites and mountain tea plantations of the interior.
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