The Clube de Caca e Pesca do Alto Douro have written to the DCA to invite us to join the second ‘raid’ of the Douro River in Portugal. The navigable part of the Douro runs from the Atlantic near the old city of Porto for 200 km into the remotest area of the country. Although the river has been navigated since ancient times, and from the 18th century the Barcos Rabelos brought wine down from the hinterland to the city of Porto to be matured and made into port wine, until very recently vessels had to shoot many rapids to navigate the river. Since 1975, however, the river has been tamed by a series of great dams and huge locks.

The raid, which is supported by the Regional Development Fund of the European Union, is for ‘sail and oar’ craft of between 4 and 7 metres long, with a crew of 2 to 4 people. A professional logistic and security team will support the fleet, which will start in Porto and proceed upstream, rowing and sailing against the current. The event follows a ‘reconnaissance’ raid last year.

There will be two classes of entry: a Rally Raid for ‘experienced sailors and confirmed sportsmen looking for a tough sailing and rowing adventure’, which is limited to one entry for each country in Europe, and a Cruising Raid for ‘crews from all countries with experience and good physical condition, motivated by tourism, cultural or ecological considerations’.

Unfortunately we have only been given rather short notice of this event, which will take place from 1st to the 9th of August this year. If you wish for more information write to Raid Fluvial do Douro, Albacore BP2, 56400 Le Bono, France, mentioning that you are a member of the Dinghy Cruising Association. I imagine that English will do fine for your letter.