CrUIsInG MIDDLe eAstern stYLe
experiencing the 2008 Med Red Rally
SANDY pARkS
“see YoU LAter ALLIGAtor!” okay, this is eitan and ruth have created a rally with
not what I expected to hear while sailing the requisite parties, fascinating sailing
on a Canadian boat, listening to a Czech venues and some pretty spectacular land
boat check in with us as we sailed south attractions along with a convivial group of
from the suez Canal down the red sea. sailors.
A third boat responded with “in a while the rally sails from Israel to egypt
crocodile”. this from an Israeli boat. to turkey taking about one month. this
perhaps more than anything this past spring I joined the rally for two
reflects the spirit of the Med red rally, weeks, unfortunately missing turkey.
a spirit that managed to shine through each year has proven to be a challenge
no matter what was thrown in its path. for the promoters, and this year was no
there are a number of cruising rallies held exception. the first year the rally began
around the world, and the Med red in March, but high winds and rough seas
entered into the mix in 2004. resulted in changing the start to mid-
easy swissa, eitan Friedlander May. this year’s challenge wasn’t the
and ruth schilling created the strong wind but being at the mercy of the
rally to promote sailing and governments.
tourism in Israel and some of
their neighbouring countries. A MAgICAL pLACE
For obvious reasons the
the 2008 rally was planned to begin
Middle east is not often
following the celebration of Israel’s 60th
thought of as a popular
anniversary, and I arrived in Israel along
cruising ground but easy,
with thousands of others to celebrate the
birth of the nation. the rally participants
in a few weeks’ time would travel Israel;
however, I was able to see a bit before
the start. having a driver and guide show
me Jerusalem was endlessly fascinating.
It was a bit startling to have everyone
question my religion but you soon realise
rather than just curiosity it makes sense
as they then gear your tour based upon
your answer. everyone I met in Israel
luxor, Egypt
was welcoming and so interested and
knowledgeable about American politics.
proud of their country they are frank
about the problems they have and, while
16 YACHTWORLD.COM MAY 2009
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