Cruise South this Summer with Rally Portugal

Created by sue. Last modified on 2009-02-11 17:47:39
Topic: Rallies
Countries: Portugal

Rally Portugal - 15th edition of this intimate cruising experience encourages yachts to cross Biscay in company
31 May - 24 June 2009

If you have always wanted to cross the Bay of Biscay, but have felt unsure about tackling it on your own, then Rally Portugal could be just what you're looking for. This annual passage departing from Plymouth, UK to Lagos in Portugal's Algarve, is organised by UK rally specialists World Cruising Club as a fun event for cruising sailors on their way from the UK to the Mediterranean.

Rally Portugal is also an attractive option for those simply looking for an enjoyable summer cruise. A number of the ARC (Atlantic Rally for Cruisers) yachts also use Rally Portugal as a sociable and interesting way to head south.

A previous participant, Walt Paul, who has sailed his Stevens 47 Nefertari in Rally Portugal, is impressed by the amazing value for money offered by the voyage, stating: "If we were to do this crossing again, there is no question that we would join in this Rally. Marina fees, dinners, tours and the like were all included at a cost substantially less than had we done it on our own. More importantly, all formalities were taken care of for us by the organisers."

Rally Portugal combines a crossing of Biscay in company and plenty of superb coastal cruising and activities ashore in Portugal. The itinerary has so much to offer everyone, from the experienced long-distance cruiser to those sailing out of home waters for the first time.

Managing Director of World Cruising Club and the founder of Rally Portugal, Andrew Bishop, says:

"I never dreamt when first sailing the coast of Portugal in 1989 that my experience would lead to the creation of an event that has in its 15 year history introduced so many international yachtsmen to the joys of cruising in Portugal. The generous hospitality of the Portuguese overwhelmed me then and continues to do so now."

The Portuguese are renowned for their hospitality and Rally participants have always enjoyed a full programme of social activities held at each port on the route down the coast to Marina de Lagos.

To help mark the milestone of the 15th Anniversary Edition of Rally Portugal and the continuous sponsorship from Marina de Lagos, a number of the functions have been enhanced this year to provide an even more memorable experience for the participants. In place of some of the more informal buffet style receptions normally held, a series of dinners will be held at the Bayona Monte Real Club de Yates, Taylors Port Wine Lodge, Figueira Casino and in Lagos.

Additionally, the programme on arrival in Lagos has been extended by a day to include an extra evening function and tours to local attractions.

Enjoyable coastal route and secure overnight stops

The 2009 Rally Portugal starts from Mayflower Marina, Plymouth, on 31 May, crossing Biscay to Bayona in north west Spain and then following a cruising route of short legs down the coast of Portugal to the finish in Marina de Lagos three weeks later with the prize giving and final dinner scheduled for Wednesday 24th June. Crossing in June usually provides stable weather conditions in the infamous Bay of Biscay, while the northerly trade-winds should be firmly established, to give participants enjoyable coastal cruising in Portugal.

Secure overnight stops are arranged in attractive ports where there are opportunities to visit places of interest and to enjoy the company of fellow participants and the locals at parties and other social functions. Special arrangements have been made with authorities in each port to ensure that the formalities are kept to an absolute minimum.

Andrew Bishop, says: "World Cruising Club has many friends to thank in Plymouth, Bayona, each of the stops in Portugal and especially the sponsor Marina de Lagos for the support and encouragement that has ensured the continuing success of this great event. We're delighted to already have twelve entries signed up for Rally Portugal 2009 and welcome interest from other yacht owners wanting to join the fleet this year."

To find out more details and/or sign up for this year's Rally Portugal, visit the Event's website and click on "How to Enter".