Overview: The Del Rey Yacht Club was proud to host FUBAR ODYSSEY '07 with the partnership and support of Mexico's Tourism Board. This first rally took the fleet of 53 powerboats from San Diego to La Paz, escorted by vessels manned by experienced skippers and with the key support people aboard such as mechanics, doctors, paramedics and boat manufacturers and by the makers of major marine engines, electronics and equipment, etc. Safe routes were pre-planned, and a weather routing service was used to oversee the entire trip. The schedule was flexible to accommodate days spent for fishing and relaxing time. Fueling facilities and dockage for shore-side activities, parties, were pre-arranged at each stop along the way where such facilities exist. Some participants took extra days for fishing or whale watching, and a couple of boats left the fleet at Cabo San Lucas. The fleet ended in beautiful Costa Baja Resort in La Paz.
The second rally was hosted by San Diego Yacht Club and started in San Diego with 43 boats. Mexico Tourism along with many other sponsors supported the rally which also included support of doctors, paramedics, mechanics, marine suppliers, communications technicians, and boat manufacturers. Escort vessels carried the doctors, mechanics, and other critical support staff to make sure the rally details were taken care of in advance.
The event is open to any boat owners who are capable of meeting the minimum requirements for safe passage. Yacht club membership is not required. This rally is the perfect event for boats wishing to continue cruising in Mexico or just enjoy the journey with people with the same dreams. Many boats returned on their own bottom at the end of the rally or the cruising season, some used a transport to relocate their boat to the Pacific Northwest to cruise the summer.
Basic Requirements: Powerboat capable of going a minimum of 450 nautical miles at 8 knots. A minimum of 3 people capable of standing overnight watches.
Fees: The modest entry fee is charged to cover expenses. The fee is paid with the Boat Application and Entry Agreement.
Charity: Any profits from the event go to support the Junior program of the hosting Yacht Club. In 2007 the rally provided clothing and supplies for the people in Santa Maria Bay who had suffered from a hurricane. They also provided school supplies to the kids in Turtle Bay. In 2009 the rally provided support to the families in Magdalena Bay and Turtle Bay. Plus they transported a medical imagining machine to a hospital just outside of La Paz. Some great ideas are being discussed for the 2011 rally.