Picturesque start to RPAYC Aegean Rally
The 2008 RPAYC Aegean Yacht Rally has begun. On the 8th May, twenty eight of us set off for Istanbul for an eight day tour 'The Terrific Turkey Trot' organized by Mariner Boating Holidays.
'Yachts moored in Kusadasi dwarfed by the cruise ship in the main harbour - RPAYC Aegean Rally 2008'
Maggie Joyce -
Mariner Boating Holidays ©
We spent three fantastic days in the bustling city of Istanbul where we visited the famous monuments of Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia, The Blue Mosque and spent an afternoon shopping in the maze that is the Grand Bazaar. With a population of over 15 million people, Istanbul is the kind of city you need weeks to explore in order to experience everything it has to offer.
The tour also included a visit to the small Turkish island of Bozcaada, the quaint fishing village of Assos and a tour of the ancient sites of Pergamum and Troy. Possibly the most notable and humbling experience on this tour was the Gallipoli peninsula. While some say the best time of year to visit this site is on 25th April when hundreds of visitors gather for the dawn service, our group had Anzac Cove entirely to ourselves. The afternoon was spent in silence as we strolled the beach where the Allied forces landed and wandered through the memorials.
A week later we met up with the second half of the Aegean Rrally group at our great hotel in Kusadasi. Prior to embarkation we spent the day at Ephesus, the largest and most well preserved ancient city in the eastern Mediterranean. We also managed to squeeze in a spot of shopping at a local leather factory. Needless to say we arrived at the boats a little later than planned that afternoon (and with a lot more luggage).
By Saturday the group was ready to board the yachts and the anticipation could be felt at our welcome function as Mariner Boating's director Trevor Joyce gave a run down of the trip ahead.
The first day on the yachts was a shakedown cruise from the Turkish town of Kusadasi to the Greek island Samos. As Trevor Joyce explains 'There is no need to decide which country you like best, it's the contrast between these two places that makes this rally such an amazing experience'. 
Our tedious and time consuming customs clearance was taken care of for us so we had time to explore the magical island. We took a car and toured the island which is lush and scattered with the bright colours of poppies, boganvillia and geraniums.
While the sun hasn't stopped shining, the breeze was too light for Race 1 from Samos to the tiny island of Arki, so it was unfortunately cancelled. This did not however dampen the spirits of this friendly group of sailors, as it meant more time on the beautiful island of Arki. We had our first function at a taverna on the quay. The friendly local restaurant owner 'Manolis' not only served up an amazing feast of traditional Greek food, but he also had everyone dancing to Zorba the Geek by the end of the night.. 
Race 2 is from Patmos to Kalimnos, this will be our last Greek Island before we enter back into Turkish waters. We look forward to another week of this fantastic weather and sailing.
For further information on Mariner Boating Holidays go to www.marinerboating.com.au
by Lauren White
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Semaphore, SA
