Thursday, 06 August 2009 16:24 | By Tony Diment, Rally Director
Martin and Helen from `Makathea' have now sent us their full story. Sadly, they have been beset with a number of problems which seriously delayed their start from Torquay and are now confining them to Brest in France. Martin has tried in vain to remain in contact with the rally fleet but clearly the range limitations of VHF and the restrictions of using mobile telephones in coastal areas have conspired to produce difficulties.
Tony Diment, having just arrived back in the UK after a hastily scheduled programme of on site support in Benodet, Vannes and La Trinite, has a few fond memories of the rally. As with (virtually) all the images on this site, click on the small picture to view a captioned larger version.
Wednesday, 29 July 2009 15:54 | By Tony Diment, Rally Director
After two warm sunny days with great sailing breezes the Biscay Triangle Rally has now arrived in Vannes. Having sailed from Sainte Marine (Benodet) on Monday 27th July the fleet anchored off Ile Penfret in the Iles de Glenan and on Tuesday sailed to the Island of Houat another 50 miles to the South East. The weather has been kind and many went ashore for a barbecue on the beautiful beach - Jenni Waite ( Sparkling Spirit) announced that it was definitely bikini weather!
Sunday, 26 July 2009 13:27 | By Tony Diment, Rally Director
Ten yachts arrived in Sainte Marine marina (just opposite Benodet) on Saturday evening. First in was Johanem at 5.00pm (French time) very closely followed by Vertigo, Close Encounter, Shenanigan, Asherah, Manita, Marita III, Lucy Alice, Sunbeat II and Navigo. Expected in today (Sunday 26th July) are Sea Fox (from Morgat) and Saltwhistle III (from L'Aber Wrach).
The Biscay Triangle has been beset with grotty weather so far this year. But that has not deterred the participants from having a good time. On Tuesday 21st, when they set off, the majority of the fleet headed for Plymouth, instead of attempting to get to Northern Spain. A few yachts had arrived late at Torquay, delayed by the strong south-westerly winds. So Sea Fox, Sparkling Spirit, Makathea and Andromeda stayed put. We hope they will meet up again soon.
Thursday, 06 August 2009 10:07 | By Tony Diment, Rally Director
The Biscay Triangle Rally fleet are now returning to home waters and as they do so the weather is again turning foul. Northerly winds and rain are making things difficult as everyone is branching out for home ports from Camaret and L'Aberwrach after coming up the Chenal du Four from South Brittany.
Sunday, 02 August 2009 15:53 | By Tony Diment, Rally Director
The rally departed from Vannes on Friday afternoon on the first lockage of the day. The busy road traffic was stopped for what seemed an age as the 11 rally yachts motored through the swing bridge which crosses the canal leading from the Morbihan into the city of Vannes. The cooperation of the bridge controller was much appreciated!
Monday, 27 July 2009 15:14 | By Tony Diment, Rally Director
Thirteen yachts finally made it to Sainte Marine, Benodet. Saltwhistle III and Sparkling Spirit arrived on Sunday evening just as the rally `Welcome to Brittany Party' was in full swing. The evening started with a wine and Spanish tapas (to replace the La Coruna tapas) predrinks party hosted by the Rally and then moved on to the Hotel du Bac as reported in yesterday's update.
Saturday, 25 July 2009 09:09 | By Tony Diment, Rally Director
Everything is now set up in Benodet for the arrival of the Biscay Triangle rally yachts. Tony and Christine Diment arrived here yesterday and berthing is arranged for the rally in the Sainte Marine marina (West side of the River Odet opposite Benodet).
Tuesday, 21 July 2009 19:48 | By Tony Diment, Rally Director
Despite heavy rain, strong winds and scudding low cloud, 12 yachts from the 19 Biscay Triangle Rally fleet braved the elements and crossed the start line at Torquay for the start of the 2009 Biscay Triangle Rally. Those remaining in port were there for good reasons, having only just arrived in Torquay from home ports against Force 7 SouthWesterlies the night before.
Thursday, 06 August 2009 16:24 | 
By Tony Diment, Rally Director
