Sunday, 22 August 2010 02:25 | By Tony Diment, Rally Director
A group of 12 rally participants ventured out from Mackay yesterday 100km Westwards into the Pioneer valley and Finch Hatton Gorge. The trip took them through the largest sugar cane producing area of Queensland and the first stop was at the so-called "Finch Hatton Hilton" which was in fact an authentic Australian bush camp. The group took `Billy Tea and Damper' (tea and toast with molasses or treacle ) before walking up to the Araluen Falls.
Tuesday, 17 August 2010 06:03 | By Tony Diment, Rally Director
Most Blue Water rally yachts have now arrived safely in Mackay, Australia. Aqualuna and Lucy Alice are due to arrive tomorrow (Wednesday 18th August) and Peregrina is due to arrive on Thursday. Three yachts have sailed direct for Cairns: Spirit of Nina, Chsalonina and Bali Blue and are due to arive on Thursday. Sadly, two yachts are now due to leave the rally for a spot of independent cruising in Australia and Asia: Simanderal and Aqualuna. Sol Maria (Gavin Morris, Lisa and Shay) from New Zealand have joined the rally.
Arrival in Mackay marks the completion of the Pacific Ocean crossing and with the rigorous inspections by the Australian customs and quarantine services now behind them, everyone is now catching their breath after some boisterous sailing from Vanuatu. The prospects of some highly rewarding cruising lie in prospect for the trip form Mackay to Darwin but prior to this many crews are taking advantage of their first visit to Australia to fly to Sydney and elsewhere for some touring ashore. Tomorrow there will be a cocktail party hosted by the Mackay Tourist Board and the Mackay Marina and Shipyard followed by a barbecue. On Thursday a briefing for the passage to Darwin is due to be held in the Mackay Yacht Club.
Yet another gorgeous destination has entertained the rally for the past week. As all yachts left Savusavu, they had different itineraries in mind. A few of us, who were left behind for a couple of days, hired scooters or cars and sampled the delights of the interior of Vanua Levu. We visited a local village, Clarence and Yvonne’s fantastic Copra Plantation right at the edge of the beach; we travelled across the island to see the 3rd largest barrier reef in the world from the heights of Palmlea Farm. At Palmlea, Joe and Julie entertained us to a great lunch and showed us around their fabulous eco-property and goat farm which they have built themselves over the past 6 years; it really is worth a visit.
In Tonga, we are a day ahead of most of the western world. As our yachts have left Niue for a 48 hour sail, they find 3 days has past by the time they get here, as they have crossed the International Date Line. The rally all change their clocks at the same time. Consequently, Sandie, a guest on Blue Magic, enjoyed her birthday for 30 minutes, before the clocks were wound forward to the next day. So for those of you in yesterday, I can tell you the weather tomorrow is great; well in Tonga at least.
The dramatic, soaring cliffs of Cook’s Bay, Moorea, have been the backdrop for the rally this week; although at times they have been obscured as rainy weather coated them in clouds.
On Monday a very enjoyable morning was spent with three local women as they showed us how to make Tahitian headdresses and different ways to tie pareos. The results were very colourful and in Jaime’s case very amusing.
Friday, 20 August 2010 00:16 | By Tony Diment, Rally Director
`Peregrina', the last of the Rally yachts to depart Vanuatu has now arrived in Mackay and with news that Bali Blue and Spirit of Nina have arrived in Cairns this means that all rally yachts are now safely in Australia.
The briefing for the passage to Darwin has been completed at the Mackay Yacht Club and the Welcome Party hosted by the Marina, Shipyard and Mackay Tourism has been held at the Clarion Hotel. Our hosts were extremely generous and everyone enjoyed their first superb Australian barbecue.
Many rally participants have now flown off to explore both Sydney and New Zealand (to go skiing) and some have returned to UK and the USA to meet their families. For those remaining in Mackay there is a rally excursion out to Eungella for authentic `Billy Tea and Damper' and a visit to the Pioneer Valley,Araluen Falls and Hatton Gorge. Apparently there will be chances to see the platypus and to take in a `pie and a pint' at a typical Australian pub on the way back.
Most yachts will start their cruising Northwards in about a week's time and the first stop will undoubtedly be the Whitsunday Islands.
The BBC News this morning, 10th August, reported briefly on an earthquake in Vanuatu with consequent tsunami. The quake was considerable, at magnitude 7.5, but was at a depth of 21 kilometres. I am happy to report that all Blue Water Rally yachts and crew are safe, as this email from one yacht shows (no names no pack drill!):
There are times in one’s voyage around the world when everyone says “Hey, this place is good!” Savusavu is very pretty, but there have been more spectacular locations en route. It is not rich and plush, but it has most of the necessities of life. It does not have a great marina, good yacht facilities, great amenities, beaches etc., but it pulses with life and good humour. You can feel it as you arrive at the Copra Shed and as you walk down the main street just beyond it. People smile and wish you “Bula!” (Welcome”) they are helpful in the shops, they carry bags and jerry cans for you and whether it is rain or shine, they are happy to see you. Yes, rally unanimously agrees “this place is good!”
For the past 2 weeks the rally have been carving their own particular wakes around the Society Islands of French Polynesia - to be accurate, they were amongst the "Isle Sous Les Vents" (the Leeward Islands) group. Having left the razzamatazz of the capital, Papeete, for the calm, beautiful, but touristy island of Moorea, they dragged themselves away to discover an archipelago of great variety. In all the main towns and villages, the French influence is clear to see, but not so far away, the locals still live a life of tradition and simplicity. Some yachts have travelled in groups for the fun and friendships, others have escaped to secluded bays for time on their own.
The yachts have all arrived in Papeete, with the exception of Scot Free, who has just left Nuku Hiva and is on her way to join us in Tahiti. The fleet looks very impressive dressed overall, with flags fluttering gaily and has attracted a lot of attention in the town.
The new pontoon has been a great success with the rally making the most of being either side of their new ‘village street’. It has been the place for daily chats, a boat jumble and a quiz and supper night, as well as giving easy access for the delights of the town.
Sunday, 22 August 2010 02:25 | 
By Tony Diment, Rally Director
