Blade Run 2006 program

Blade Run, formerly known as the Deauville Rally, is an annual powerboat rally between England and France in the spirit of Gumball. Blade Run is open to all classes of powerboat, as long as they are capable of making the crossing to France and to each check point en route. The event starts at Tower Bridge and travels down the coast of France, finishing back in England, Poole Harbour, at the end of the four day adventure where participants can receive a warm welcome from friends and press.

2006 Blade Run official program

The Dates:
Thursday 30 August – Sunday 3 September 2006

The Route:
Tower Bridge – Boulogne – Deauville – St. Vaast-La-Hougue – Poole Harbour

The Program

Wednesday 29 August:

7.30pm – 9.30pm: Champagne, Canapes and rally scrutineering in London venue.
9.30pm – 4am: VIP entrance into London’s most exclusive nightclub
venue.

Thursday 30 August: London to Boulogne
Distance: 100 nautical miles

12.45pm (tide – 2.2 metres and rising): Boats make a rolling start under Tower Bridge and head for their first port of call, Ramsgate, for lunch.
7pm: All boats, on arriving in Boulogne, are greeted with a Champagne reception on the pontoon.
9pm: Drinks and dinner party in private Chateau near Boulogne.

Friday 1 September: Boulogne to Deauville
Distance: 108 nautical miles

9.30am: Rally participants meet at the pontoon in Boulogne for Breakfast and set off for Dieppe by 10am.
12.30pm: Champagne lunch in Dieppe.
2.30pm: All participants set off to Deauville
7pm: Champagne reception on arrival at Deauville.
9pm: Drinks and dinner party at prestigious venue in Deauville with the stars of the American film festival.
11pm: After party at the famous Deauville nightclub, Les Planches.

Saturday 2 September: Deauville to St. Vaast-La-Hougue
Distance: 53 nautical miles.

11.30am – 2.30pm: Informal racing and water sports off the bay of Deauville.
3.00pm: All participants head off to St Vaast-La-Hougue
6pm: Champagne reception on arrival followed by Oyster’s and sunset beach party.

Sunday 3 September: St Vaast-La-Hougue to Poole Harbour
Distance: 74 nautical miles.

11am: All participating boats head for Poole harbour. Participants must pass by the mid-channel check point en route.
6pm: Participant boats to be greeted by media/ television/ journalists on arrival in Poole Harbour. All participants to check into a luxury hotel, inclusive of the entry fee.
8pm: Black Tie Awards ceremony and finishing party in Poole venue. TV interviews with participants along with prizes from our sponsors. Wrapping up of the event.

Costs

The cost for entering the Blade Run 2006 is £1400 per boat which includes two people – the skipper and 1st mate. Every additional crew member onboard a boat is £500.

What does the entry fee include?

- Five nights of parties at exclusive venues in England and France.
- The last night accommodation is paid for in a top Poole hotel.
- All organization and planning of the rally.
- Safety boats.
- A chilled bottle of champagne awaiting you at the port of every destination en route.
- Dinner and champagne/ drinks receptions every night.
- All berthing for boats taken care of throughout the rally.
- Decals for boats and mission pack.
- Mid channel check points.
- The chance to win one of the fun prizes at the awards ceremony (prizes provided by sponsors).