|
 For
our “Ultimate Red Sea Wreck Trip”, our usually TechSped was run in
conjunction with the regular “Warm Water Rush” trips through Scuba +
Outdoor, 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 Over sea’s TechSped 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, each diver matching their dive plan to their
experience. For the more technical among us, that meant 100min
dives and a chance to scour the far less frequented bottom of the
wrecks and walls, for hidden treasures (Our Tech Pursuits manager
Phil stands by his achievement of three reels found in the first
three wreck dives!).
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 Tech Pursuits divers to extend
their adventures using a variety of twin sets, stage cylinders and
Inspiration Rebreathers.
 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 “Naked Matt Fish”, and fair play
for sticking it out for a full 30 mins.
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 ! |
