Deauville Rally, 2-4 September 2005

[Auracle]

For those interested in participating in the Gumball style powerboat rally this September, please read on. We currently have three spaces that we can offer on the rally at £900 per boat for ribnet members (inclusive of all crew!).

Celebrities, Speed Junkies, Bikini Clad Models and Eccentrics begin an epic 200-mile speed rally in more than 35 stunning power boats ranging from a 7 metre race boat to an 18 metre Hovercraft. Starting under the majesty of Tower Bridge in the heart of the capital, this adrenaline charged event will be the first of its kind in the world . Set to become the Gumball Rally of the waves, this event is attracting speedboat crazy personalities from all over the globe. With the organisers in talks regarding major TV coverage , the event looks to become one of the hottest fixtures on the sporting and social calendar.

Setting off right under Tower Bridge, 20,000 horsepower will roar down the Thames providing a visual spectacle like nothing seen before.The 3-day rally crosses the Channel and travels via Boulogne to finish at the American Film Festival in Deauville, France. While en route the extreme wave farers will indulge in a stream of extravagant parties laid on by the organisers in secret locations from Châteaux to private houses.

www.deauvillerally.com

THE LAUNCH PARTY - Saturday 7th May

The launch party for the event took place at the Royal Thames and attracted 300 potential sponsors and Rally entrants. A number of journalists also attended including OK magazine, Good Life magazine, The Telegraph, Book Moda magazine and more. Due to it’s huge popularity we now intend to hold a second pre-rally party nearer the time of the event which will also promote sponsors that are involved.

There will be limited places for selected press to be imbedded in the rally and attend all the parties throughout.

About the Organizers

The Deauville Rally is organized by Edward Balme and Sir Dai Llewellyn. Edward, whose grandfather captured the famous Enigma Decoder machine from a German U-boat, has grown up spending a lot of his time racing around in speed boats down in St Tropez. With Sir Dai, who has always had a love for powerboating, they aimed to create an event with the speed and madness of the Gumball rally but with the celebrity and glamour of life on the waves.

Please email info@london-offshore.com if you would like to take this offer on the ticket entrance price and mention ribnet.

The website is at www.deauvillerally.com

[John Kennett]

I hope it's going to be better organised than your foray into powerboat charters.

< Edit: The web sites of the London Deauville Rally, the London Offshore Powerboat Club, and Atlantic Web all indicated a connection between this event and Rupert Bonham-Smith (recently successfully prosecuted for hiring out a boat despite its licence being suspended). However Ed Balme, aka Auracle, has made it clear that this is not the case and he has sole responsibility for the Deauville Rally. JK >

Are the PLA being supportive?

John

[Nick Hearne]

Anther trade member for you John

[Auracle]

The event is in close contact with the PLA which is a strict necessity on the River Thames. I personally own a rib but have never been involved in the chartering business. I am based in London where myself and Sir Dai do most of the rally organization.
www.deauvillerally.com

[Nick Hearne]

We know you have a rib! You have been trying to sell it for long enough!
Oh look who is selling it can't be yours then
http://www.boatsandoutboards.co.uk/view/ATW193/

[Auracle]

Yeah, actually you're right Nick! I've had that boat on the market for a while because the engines were being rebuilt after many problems. It has in fact only just been finished and so I'll be doing a sea trial this weekend. Wish me luck!
Atlantic web are trying to sell it for me and so now I can take people out for test rides.

[Scary Des]

Originally Posted by Auracle

..........Atlantic web are trying to sell it for me and so now I can take people out for test rides.

Ed why do you speak of 'Atlantic web' in a way that implies that you are not connected to them Des

[Auracle]

Sorry Des,
I wanted to just make it clear that the Deauville Rally is now a separate company from Atlantic web (of which an article about a charter was written). In fact, as I mentioned earlier, I have never been in the business of chartering ribs although my rib is advertised for sale by Atlantic Web.
I have now taken over on the rally organization whilst Mr Atlantic Web has taken over the club. I wish him every success in his future ventures and hope you will take an interest in the rally.
We aim to make the event a lot of fun and appreciate support from all areas.
Ed

[Jono]

Originally Posted by Auracle

The event is in close contact with the PLA which is a strict necessity on the River Thames. I personally own a rib but have never been involved in the chartering business. I am based in London where myself and Sir Dai do most of the rally organization.
www.deauvillerally.com

I'm confused here, chaps...

Could someone "enlighten me" ?

Auracle, I take it from a couple of posts here that you are Ed Balme. Is that right? If so are you the same Ed Balme who is, and I quote "“Ed Balme - Investor and co-owner of Black ball - a Carson 9m with twin diesel 230hp engines." Taken from the Atlantic-Web site? The site that offers RIB charter?

Am I missing something here? Is this the company that was recently prosecuted by the MCA or not?

[Auracle]

Hi, that is correct, i am Ed. I own the Carson rib which is looked after by Atlantic web although it has not been in action recently as the engines seemed to have endless problems. It is now fixed though and I'm taking it out for a proper sea trial this weekend. I am looking forward to it as boats are fun, as long as they are CE Proofed and look nice.