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.
Friday, 17 July 2009 09:01 | By Tony Diment, Rally Director
Unsurprisingly, the optimistic early weather predictions have changed to indicate a strong South Westerly flow for the English Channel and Biscay for most of next week. This of course produces problems for a passage to NW Spain! Naturally, we are keeping a close eye on the developing weather situation but with a well established jet stream feeding a series of depressions, we are looking at some interesting alternative cruising options. By the time of our briefing on Monday afternoon we will have a far clearer view of the situation and will be able to discuss the feasibility of making it to La Coruna. Sadly, we cannot alter the weather, but we can make the very most of things and I am sure that between us all we can come up with some seamanlike, yet equally exciting plans.
Wednesday, 15 July 2009 15:20 | By Tony Diment, Rally Director
It will be necessary to complete a Next of Kin Form for each person aboard each yacht on the Biscay Triangle Rally. In order to make this process easier and quicker at the time of Registration I have sent copies of the Next of Kin Form to you via e-mail so that the information may be completed in advance. If you don't have access to e-mail at present please don't worry as we will have stocks of the Next of Kin Forms at Registration, but please come armed with the required details which include each crew member's name, passport number, next of kin's address and contact telephone number.
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.
Wednesday, 15 July 2009 12:20 | By Tony Diment, Rally Director
The first grib file forecasts are now predicting light South Easterlies for the start of the 2009 Biscay Triangle developing into Easterly 10 to 15 kts during the day and overnight. Of course these are computer generated predictions without any human interface and they are for a week ahead so please treat this information with some reservation. The prognosis shows a quickly backing wind to produce West North West 10kts by early Wednesday morning 22nd July. If this materialises we will be lucky but don't rely on it...
Wednesday, 29 July 2009 15:54 | 
By Tony Diment, Rally Director
