As the final Warm Water Rush trip for 2006, this one we really wanted to make sure we went out in style, and boy did we do just that. Our “Ultimate Red Sea Wreck” trip was a joint venture, between our new Techpursuits and regular Scubapursuits divisions, bringing together the best of both worlds.  

After a mass convergence at Manchester Airport, and the usual haggle; discussion and disagreement with the check in staff over luggage allowances, we headed through to await our Red Sea departure:

The mission of course was to find a calm and peaceful place, to meditate on the superb weeks diving that lay ahead, ah no sorry what I meant to say was find a café for a fry up.

All on board, and gear (all be it heavily) stowed away, we were off, off and away. As we sprinted across the skies the taller ones among us, namely John and Joerg, did do their very best to tell every other traveller on the flight, how squashed their legs were in the seats. In the mean time, the more normally apportioned ones of the group did what all good travellers should do, we crashed out.

Touchdown ! and hooray, our Warm Water Rush had begun, as we were met by the Emperor Divers Team. Our base for the week was the seriously impressive MY Infinity, one of the new Gold Class liveaboard boats from Emperor Fleet. It is no exaggeration to say that she was simply the best liveaboard boat any of us (even the seasoned salty sea-dogs) had ever been on. With fully air conditioned cabins; BBQ deck; massive (yes massive) Dive Deck and ultra-essential Jacuzzi, we felt right at home.

The sites for the week were carefully chosen by our guides, to offer all levels of diver the best possible diving, to suit their abilities. In general terms this took us to the majority of well known sites in the Northern Red Sea. With the normal divers (well almost normal) doing some great dives around the regular areas; and our Techpursuits divers (who are far from normal) opting to scour the far less frequented bottom of the wrecks and walls, for hidden treasures.

Our itinerary included the wrecks of the Giannis D; Thistlegorm; Dunraven; and Kingston, all of course within the reach of all divers on the trip, but with the increased scope for Techpursuits divers to extend their adventures. Our Techpursuits manager Phil and his trusty Inspiration Rebreather did their best to stretch almost every dive into a 100+ minute exploration, hotly pursued by Jon and Joerg on Twin 12’s (who weren’t far behind). This added time allowed these members of the group, and the other tekkies, to penetrate deep into a number of the wrecks and pass through areas far beyond the reach of regular divers. Not to be out done, that left the rest of us plenty of opportunity to scour the upper decak for the best sun loungers, and the galley for the best chocolate (Ha Ha !).

It was not only a week of wrecks and metal, the spectacular walls at Ras Mohamed and reefs of Giftun were also visted. The life was, as always, simply superb and plentiful, with loads of Reef Fish; Turtles and of course Dolphins, throughout the whole week.

The highlight, besides the great company; super wrecks; deep walls and lovely food was without doubt the first ever sighting of the legendary (all be it a little chilly) “Naked Matt Fish”. Yes you read it right, the final night dive was frequented by a “Naked Matt Fish”, and fair play to him he stuck it out for a full 30 mins. We’re not sure if he (or for that matter his little fella, will ever be the same again), but well done for the comedy, my sides are still aching.

So that was it, a superb week of twisted metal; craggy reefs and barmy antics, thanks to you all, and we’ll see you next time !