Bob Mander from Church Point recently won the major CYCA SOLAS raffle prize, a trip for two on the CYCA Bonifacio Yacht Rally to be conducted in Sardinia and Corsica in September 2008.

The prize is valued at $15,000 and includes international flights to and from Rome, accommodation on a participating yacht for two weeks, some hotel accommodation and the rally program, which includes several meals. Bob and his wife Suzie live on Pittwater but they have sailed out of the CYCA and are soon to become members. The SOLAS raffle this year raised approximately $9,000, very close to the targeted result.

Sardinia, Corsica and the Bonifacio Straits between the two are not main stream destinations for cruising Australians but the area is a magnet for European sailors with the Yacht Club Costa Smerelda as the focal point. The club has an extensive racing calendar during the northern hemisphere summer and the marina is home to a big cruising fleet. The area, which is geographically very compact, certainly offers some of the best cruising to be found in the Mediterranean and the two distinctly different cultures, one Italian and other French add an interesting dimension to the Bonifacio Yacht Rally.

More information on the CYCA Bonifacio Yacht Rally 2008 from Mariner Boating Holidays on 99661244, email info@marinerboating.com.au or on the website www.marinerboating.com.au