RTG Southern Cross Daily Dispatch low-res - Flipbook - Page 2
15 February to 5 March 2020
Pre start & scrutineering
Hemingway’s Watamu
15 February 2020
Photos: gerardbrown.co.uk
Today was one book-ended by two idyllic meals on the shore of the Indian Ocean. One at first light and
the second in the all enveloping darkness of East Kenya.
There are few better places to wake up than in a Hemingway’s
suite and, as the surf gently rolled up the pristine white
beach, the rally crews rolled themselves out of their beds
and made their way down to breakfast. Kenyan coffee and
as much fresh fruit as their plates could carry was the order
of the day.
This was going to be a busy one, so they needed something
to sustain them as they’d soon be getting the paperwork
and documentation sorted for the next three weeks on the
road. And, the action kicked off mid-morning up in the
sweltering car park, where 22 icons of global motoring
were sitting under a relentless African sun. Among them
there were two WO Bentleys, a venerable Vauxhall 30/98
and a pair of Mercedes Benz, but it was Porsche who had
fielded the biggest team. And, Tuthill Porsche in particular,
who with their legendary East African reputation, had four
machines bearing their stamp lined up awaiting clearance.
The Kenyan registered FJ40 Landcruiser of Bernd and
Christiane Dannenmaier was also worthy of note, as this
is an original East African Safari car which, according to
its crew, “might not be the fastest car here, but it’s one in
which we’ll be having the most fun”.
Whilst the crews waited on the sidelines, the task of
checking for safety and compliance fell to Jamie Turner
and Andy Inskip who moved methodically through the
entry list ticking boxes and keeping a close eye out for
blown bulbs and horns that weren’t working.
Patience was definitely the order of the day here and as
they waited in line, a chain of dutiful waiters ferried up a
selection of cold drinks and refreshments to them so as to
make the ‘ordeal’ more bearable.
Once the cars had been declared fit for purpose, their
crews had to report to the rally office, where Loren Price,
Pete Stone and Gill Cotton handed out route books, map
books, rally bags and all of the necessary paperwork that
every long distance rally needs to survive.
The rest of the day was then free for some beach combing,
swimming or a quick trip to the spa.
Just as the cars in the parking area were icons however,
so too was our location. Hemingway’s, a famed beachside
resort, was a favourite haunt of the late Philip Young, a
friend to so many of us at Rally the Globe.
But, it’s also high on the list of Rally Director, Fred
Gallagher‘s favourite places. Fred has visited the area many
www.rallytheglobe.com
