Eastern Mediterranean Yacht Rally2013

[Sunchaser]

My husband and I are seasoned sailors and have been invited to participate in the 2013 EMYR. We would be joining friends on their boat who have been cruising in Europe for the past year. Has anyone participated in the Rally, especially the 2012 and if so how was the experience? With the turmoil in Syria and the Middle East in general we have some concerns. We'd also be interested in hearing from anyone who has experience cruising in Turkey/ Cyprus/ Israel/Egypt.

[atoll]

you will have a great time,the rally will not be stopping in syria.
if israel goes to war with iran then i would consider pulling out,but if that happens it is all gonna be pretty pear shaped!

[Katiusha]

Our friends went in 2011 and their advice to us: go for it!!

It's a wonderful oppotunity to visit countries that you might not visit otherwise. All paperwork, all monetary matters are taken care of by organizers. Land trips are wonderful, though on one occasion they chose to go to Petra instead of a local trip. There are parties in the evening, though you don't have to participate. You might be motor-sailing quite a bit.

Re: cruising Turkey - look in CF in the Med forum. There are quite a few recent threads. In general, cruising in Turkey is relaxing, fun, and a lot of historical places are right on the water. Highly recommend it.

[gegroves]

Do go. You will not regret it. Once you bring your boat over to Turkey, you'll go again. We have been on two of the rallies, 2007 and 2009 and are thinking about doing it again. You will meet many new friends that you will see from time to time sailing in the Med. There are many times you will motorsail because of light winds and the need to be at the next port by a certain time. Many people do not like this about the rally, but it is a fact. You can sail, but you need to leave earlier and plan on it. You will do seven to nine overnight sails because of the distances involved - but with four people, no problem. As previously mentioned, there are opportunities for land based excursions, set up by the rally committee. At each rally stop, the local governments throw a BBQ, dinner or cocktail party for the rally participants to mix and mingle with the local townspeople. The rally committee continually checks with the British Foreign Office regarding safe travel in the middle east, and will avoid problem areas.
Sailing in Turkey and the Aegean Greek Islands is great. You can cruise at your leisure from one anchorage to another and each one is unique. Right now, staying at a Greek town harbor can cost you no more that 10$ per night. We have been here (summers) since 2006 and it has been a very enjoyable experience. Bring your boat over and enjoy.