NEWSLETTER NOVEMBER 1999.

Dear Fellow Yachtsmen,

Another special year approaches. 1999 saw the 10 ^th Rally, and EMYR 2000 will be the first in the new century, but, EMYR is always special for those who take part.

The 10 ^th Rally was an outstanding success with 122 yachts participating. The weather was most kind with all strengths of winds and fortunately with only one day when it was very strong on the nose. At Alexandria there were 24 yachts still in the Rally, a record number for the trip to Egypt.

Sailing on participants yachts during the Rally was Jeff Markell an American Author who has written a glowing report of the Rally in the American magazine Ocean Navigator. He writes, "the running of the Rally is entirely in the hands of a group of volunteer organisers. There is no paid staff. I had an excellent opportunity to see how extremely well they are organised and how smoothly the event proceeds. The hosts nations all along the route greet the Rally with utmost cordiality"

As usual the hospitality offered at all the ports was overwhelming and many a sore head set off in the early morning for the next leg of the Rally. What wonderful friends we have in all the ports we visit who try and succeed to make our visit unforgettable.

The Committee has listened to the participant’s comments and this year the Rally allows more free days in the ports. As the time of the Rally is limited the ports of Bozyazi, Iskenderun and Haifa have had to be omitted and some of the sailing legs are longer. We are sad to miss some of the old favourites but can assure them that we will be back another year.

The Rally starts at Istanbul on 26 ^th April and arrives at Kemer on 11 ^th May for the Mass Start on Saturday 13 ^th May. The Rally leaves for Girne before visiting Mersin, Turkey: Tartous, Syria.:Jounieh , Lebanon: Herzliya, Israel: El Arish , Egypt, and back to Ashkelon, Israel for the Finale Dinner on 7 ^th June..

The new ports in the Rally are Kucukuyu, in the Gulf of Edrimit, the new marina at Gocek called Port Gocek, Tartous in Syria and El Arish in Egypt. By visiting Tartous participants who have taken part in previous rallies will be able to see another area of Syria.

Ashkelon has been chosen as the final port for the Rally because of their wonderful welcome and the first class facilities offered to the yachtsmen. It is an excellent place to rest after the Rally. The provisional programme of EMYR 2000 is enclosed.

As we are visiting Herzliya during the Millenium year a series of outings is being arranged for our visit to see some of the historical sites connected with the start of Christianity.

Like most enterprises in Turkey the marinas have found 1999 a difficult year which has made obtaining sponsorship for the Rally a hard task. Fortunately the Turkish Marinas realise how good the Rally is for yachting in Turkey and we have been promised sponsorship from Park Kemer , Port Gocek, Bodrum Karada , Atakoy and Setur Marinas. We thank them for their assistance in these financially constrained times as without their support the Entry Fee would have to be extortionate.

Nevertheless as a result of rising expenses and the increased costs of Rally dinners the cost sharing/entry fee has been increased to 250DM per person and 250DM for each new crew member joining the Rally. The minimum number on boat is two. As in previous Rallies yachts may join or leave the Rally at any port, but once a yacht has left the Rally it cannot rejoin.

Entry Forms and Rally Rules are available from the Rally Office Kemer, numbers below. Just fax or Email for one or they will soon be available at Atakoy, Bodrum Karada, Port Gocek and Setur Marinas. Please complete the form and return it to the Rally Office Kemer as soon as possible to secure your place in EMYR 2000.

The last date for entries is 28 ^th February 2000 and applications are only accepted on receipt of a signed Entry Form and payment of the cost sharing fees.

Already enquiries about EMYR 2000 have been received from 23 yachts and several who were with us last year are returning, a sign that it is an excellent Rally.

We look forward to seeing you in EMYR 2000.

EMYR Organisation Committee.

Doreen Annan Roland Boedt Knut Thieme Hasan Kacmaz

Britain Belgium Germany Turkey.