36:44.7N 028:55.58E

Tuesday 11^th May and Wednesday 12^th May

Tuesday was a day off all round although Rob spent a full 6 hours working on several websites for clients. Sarah, Trevor and Lesley went to explore Gocek and found a very upmarket small town that clearly caters for the charter market. There were some very smart shops and a rash of chandleries as well as a particularly fine coffee shop in an ideal setting where they sat with Rick and Cobi and discussed affairs of the world.

The afternoon seemed to rush past with a few jobs done, then in no time at all Rick and Cobi arrived for early evening drinks, a lesson in Dutch and the rest is history.

On Wednesday morning we were up early and got ourselves organised for the half mile trip across the bay to the marina where we were joining the East Med Rally (EMYR). There was a short debate as we motored along, as to the exact location of the marina as nothing was shown on our charts! However all was well and we were ushered in and given a mooring at the head of the pontoon, nearest the land which is very sociable as everyone has to walk past us to go ashore and so meeting and greeting is very simple indeed.

Soon met up with Jackie and Bob on Arwen as well as Steve and Chris on Scott Free as well as a host of others that have met recently and of course all the crews that Trevor and Lesley know. Loads of Aussies and Kiwis on the trip as well as all the usual suspects.

Trevor covered himself in glory yet again when after stripping down the emergency hand bilge pump, we finally got it to work for the first time since the boat was new! Lesley in the meantime has found a special place in her heart for Kenny which is the name of our washing machine which resides in their cabin, under the bed.

Lot of fun meeting loads of the crews as they arrived through the afternoon and then to break up the fun there was a meeting for everyone by the marina office so that we could be briefed about the next few days activities. Sounds like a lot of fun as well as some seriously long days and nights sailing. Reading through the itinerary which is quiet stunning with some outstanding visits and outings, we are wondering if the highlight might turn out to be the ‘Beirut by Night’ trip, mind you some us may yet be mooring overnight in Beirut harbour itself!