The Yachtsman 2017-2018 RPAYC Yachtsman 2016-2017 | Page 105
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R P A Y C R A L LY A R O U N D M A L L O R C A
Mariner Boating’s Trevor and Maggie Joyce conduct
yacht rallies in 15 destinations worldwide – and
they say Mallorca is one of their top three places to
sail. Here, Trevor explains why he looks forward to
returning to Mallorca for the RPAYC rally in 2018.
Mallorca revels in its isolation from the centre of
Europe, and so it should. It has a wonderful sailing
climate, and its scenery and culture is quite removed
from mainland Spain.
The RPAYC rally around Mallorca
in July 2018 will cover about 150
miles, as we traverse the island in a
clockwise direction. Maggie and I did
this trip in July 2016, two-handed on
a very capable Dufour 36-footer, and
completed the journey in six days. The
2018 rally will do the same trip in two
weeks, with additional sightseeing time
along the way.
Mallorca has great sailing weather with
the average daily temperature in July of
25°C. During our 2016 trip, Maggie and
I struck one wholesome easterly with
an accompanying sea that had rolled
all the way from the Gulf of Lyon. But
a quick reef in the main and couple of
rolls on the jib made the passage very
manageable.
The start and finish port of the rally, Palma, is
Mallorca’s capital and we’ve included two hotel
nights in the rally itinerary to allow time to explore
this superb city. The old streets and squares make
a wonderful excursion on foot. But be sure to take
a break beneath a grandfather fig tree with a chilled
sangria or beer, for a true Palma experience. Palma is
also a boat-watcher’s delight: in the main marina near
town, 30 metres overall length is average.
Sailing from Palma, we have discovered six logical
stops along the route, where harbour facilities are
adequate without being extravagant. In between
these stops are conveniently placed anchorages in
what are locally called ‘calas’. These beautiful, fjord-
like inlets meander aimlessly inland, mostly to lap
peacefully on a tiny strip of dazzling white sand, and
the water temperature sits at a minimum 24°C.
The first three of these ports, Andratx, Soller and
Pollença, originally had their main settlements located
inland as protection from marauding pirates. These
days the ports themselves are alive with markets,
shops and restaurants – and the pirates are long
gone. In the port of Soller, you can catch a vintage
train to the inland town, which has been operating for
more than 100 years.
The rally will also visit the uninhabited Cabrera group
of islands. These have been declared a ‘Marine
Terrestrial National Park’ and visitor permits are
strictly controlled. The islands are rich with marine
and bird life, and make a peaceful last stop before
heading back to bustling Palma.
Along the way, the enthusiasm, humour and sincerity
of the Mallorcans makes all local contact refreshing. In
every port, fishermen sell their entire catch locally, and
restaurants sport plenty of fresh seafood, alongside
the traditional tapas. It’s that blend of tradition and
h istory, mixed with modern sophistication – and of
course, the gorgeous scenery – which puts Mallorca
in our top three favourite destinations.
RPAYC and Mariner Boating Holidays have joined to offer members
an exclusive RPAYC Yacht Rally around Mallorca in July 2018. For more
information on the rally and to claim your RPAYC discount please visit
www.marinerboating.com/rpayc-mallorca-yacht-rally-2018 or contact Lauren
at Mariner Boating Holidays 02 9966 1244 or [email protected]
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