Generalities

The rally organized by AvRM to discover the islands of the Tuscan archipelago took place from May 31 to June 9, 2026.

The participants

Eleven RM met in Macinaggio on May 31st

• 2 RM 890: Mate and Milou in May
• 1 RM 970: Kolinga
• 1 RM 1050: L'Harmattan
• 4 RM 1070: Shamrock, Rève De Mer, Pantai and Gwen
• 1 RM 1180: Milou in May
• 1 RM 1200: Rocking Chair
• 1 RM 1260: Oros

Timeline

Sunday, May 31

• All the boats are gathered on the breakwater of the port of Macinaggio, north of Cap Corse.
• At 7:30 p.m., the rally was officially opened during the first end-of-day briefing. The thirty-two participants got to know each other, although most of them were regulars. The newcomers were quickly integrated.

Monday, June 1

• The boats leave the port around 10 am (no set departure time, it's not a regatta)
• The sailing takes place in a medium wind which fades away as the day progresses… it's a race to see who won't be the first to start the engine!
• Two options emerged (north or south of Capraia), but ultimately the calm will settle the matter for everyone!
• The RM crew meet at the pontoon in Capraia, a small island between Elba and Corsica, a former penitentiary converted into a nature reserve
• A walk on land for the crews, then a briefing at 7:30 pm on the pier.

Tuesday, June 2nd

• Around 10 a.m., departure towards the Island of Elba
• Sailing close-hauled in very light winds (around 5 knots), everyone is playing along, all the way to Marciana Marina.
• All the participants gathered for the briefing at the foot of the Genoese tower. It was also pizza night, and most importantly, sangria prepared by Rêve De Mer. A thunderstorm dispersed everyone before the potentially harmful effects of the orange-flavored drink could take hold…

Wednesday, June 3

• An early departure from Marciana Marina for a short leg in winds disrupted by the mountains, giving the crews time to visit the next stop, the island's capital.
• In Portoferraio, all the rally boats line up on the quay where Napoleon landed in May 1814.
• The briefing takes place at this prestigious site, and despite the late hour and the site's history, no one wears a bicorn hat or slips their hand into their waistcoat…

Thursday 4th and Friday 5th June

• The fleet is heading towards the east coast of the island, in winds between 5 and 10 knots.
• Anchored at Porto Azzurro (site of a notorious penitentiary where mafia bosses were imprisoned), now a very chic seaside resort
• Briefing at the bottom of the bay, surrounded by reeds in the light of the setting sun.
• The site delights all the crews who decide to stay an extra day.

Saturday, June 6

• Setting sail for Marina Di Campo, winds of 5 to 15 knots, variable from close-hauled to downwind (over a few meters, long live the Mediterranean!)
• Unfortunately, a katabatic wind of up to 25 knots makes transfers by dinghy difficult, and the evening briefing is being held on channel 77.
• Milou in May informed me that an unforeseen family matter forced him to turn back. We will finish the rally with 10 boats.

Sunday 7th and Monday 8th June

• The wind remains very unstable, and the boats are heading towards Giglio.
• Gwen scoops up a (huge) plastic tarp that was floating just below the surface, and it is under tow from Pantai that he reaches the port
• The port of Giglio Island (unfortunately made infamous by the Costa Concordia) is very difficult to access; it's generally only allowed for a few hours a day, without a reservation. Gwen is a local, and thanks to him, we were not only able to make a reservation (for 10 boats!), but we were also able to stay two nights, which allowed all the crews to visit this gem of the Mediterranean.
• Daily briefings are held on the quay at the stern of the boats, and on Monday evenings participants enjoy a ceviche of mahi-mahi caught and prepared by Shamrock!

Tuesday, June 9

• Preparation before the arrival of the mail boat, which usually uses the marina quay
• The wind is oscillating between 3 and 5 knots downwind, and the fleet is motoring to Cala Galera, the final point of the rally.
• The closing dinner takes place in Porto Ercole, at an excellent restaurant chosen by Mate.

Summary and conclusion

• Despite the large number of participants, the friendly atmosphere was never lacking.
• The presence of young people in their thirties brought a breath of fresh air!
• The rally program was adhered to and was able to accommodate the crews' requests for flexibility.
• The air was generally light, and the RM and Mediterranean crews proved their aptitude in these conditions.
• The rally budget was met