Whoop whoop !

The Palmerton is here and moored next to the marina right in the centre of Marmaris, all the yachts are still safely on board and unloading begins at first light tomorrow 5.00am.

Everyone has different plans after unloading their yachts so Excelsior Tours set about arranging a final get together to say our good byes and celebrate our safe arrival in Turkey.

We visited several restaurants, discussing our party over Turkish tea and finally settled on a rooftop terrace, with fabulous views over the harbour, which we could have exclusively for the rally. You can see our venue ‘Hillside Restaurant’ right at the top of the picture below.

We met in the comfy bar below, at street level, so people could find us; Mark is busy on the phone giving directions.

It was a bit of a trek up lots of wining steps to the restaurant but the view from the top was certainly worth the effort. We sat down for dinner with panoramic views over the harbour and most important of all overlooking the Palmerton with all our yachts on board.

Brian presented Steve and Maria with the ‘Gibraltar Rock’, which has been passed from yacht to yacht throughout the circumnavigation, in thanks for all the hard work that Steve has put in to keep the ‘Evacuation Salalah’ project running smoothly to completion.

We really missed the rest of the Tippy’s as Sheila is back in the UK with Charlie, Annie & Freddie, who are all back at school, but we will catch up with them for some fun cruising in Turkey.

Pete thanked us for arranging Excelsior Tours social events and we were presented with a crab made up of bread, olives and lemon !

There was also thanks to Hans and Brian for all their input securing the shipping contract and insurance.

Finally Mark said a few words of remembrance for Jean & Scott and Phyllis and Bob, our friends from Quest who were all shot after being captured by pirates, and also a prayer for the family and crew of yacht ING who are still being held in Somalia.

It was a lovely evening and a fitting end to our adventure together.

As I write this blog it is 5.45am the morning after the party and Mark has just set off for the harbour to help Brian unload Miss Tippy and take her to the marina.

I can’t believe it is finally happening.