Mini Rally to Smir

Six Blue Water Rally boats sailed to Smir in Morocco, setting off very early on Saturday 20th October and returning the following day. We had a great sail across despite the terrible conditions when we set off. It was the first time we had worn our oilskins for a long time. The weather improved as we crossed the Straits of Gibraltar and the sun had reappeared by the time we reached Smir.

We were given a guided tour of the souk in Tetoun, including a traditional tannery which was quite fragrant! We sampled 'Moroccan whisky', otherwise known as mint tea, and tasted traditional Moroccan cakes in a tea room. We visited an arabic pharmacy, which claimed to have potions to cure just about everything. We also went to a handicraft cooperative where we were shown and encourage to buy handmade carpets. The picture above where the man is attacking the carpet with a knife was to demonstrate that the rug was cat proof. That evening we had a tradional Moroccan meal of couscous royal.

The following day, there was hardly any wind, so we motorsailed back to Gibraltar. As you can see the previous day's excitement was too much for Kalle, who fell asleep on the foredeck. We saw four pilot whales swiming very close to the boat, another first!