WORLD MASTERS – RICCIONE

Dear Masters Divers,

It seems ages since we’ve had an official GB Masters team going to Worlds or European Championships. In fact, its not since New Zealand in March 2002 and Palma in 2001. Well here we are again, another World Masters ahead of us and just over 6 months to plan and go! This year I’ve not had time to do a recce but Riccione is, to some of us, revisiting a previously used venue so I don’t anticipate too many difficulties.

The plan at present would be to travel out on Monday 31st May and return the UK on Monday 7th June, which means we would train the day after we arrive and return to the UK the day after the diving finishes, since it would be too big a risk to book a flight for the last day of competitions.

Much like Palma we have the option to do our own thing with regard to accommodation or book thru the official channels and get the customary bus ticket. The official Event programme doesn’t show hotel names, so there is no opportunity to study them on the web. With regard to getting around, we’ve come a long way since ‘Kempson’s Magical Mystery Tour’ of 1995, having become a lot more independent and worldly wise, so my gut reaction this time is to do our own thing.

Flights and Onward Travel

With everyone spread so far around the country it is probably easier if people make their own travel arrangements. However I will of course be looking at flights from the London area and will let people have information about them as and when I can. Tony says British European fly to Milan which is within reasonable striking distance of Riccione. Additionally you might want to think of flying to Bologna or a charter flight to Rimini. Onward travel from Milan is 4 hours by train. From Bologna it is around 2 (I think, from memory). I have a list of airlines that fly to Milan and Bologna which is available on request. The booking form attached does include space for flights if you do want me to book something for you, or make enquiries on your behalf.

Transportation

The Riccione complex is served by public transport, as well as the official competitors’ transport. The nearest bus stops are directly outside the pool. However, if we get into a Riccione, rather than a Rimini or Cattolica, hotel the walk up the hill from the sea front – about half a mile - could be the start of your diving warm up. The alternative would be to hire a bicycle or similar as Peter Jewell and Joan Aldous did. I think the route to the pool was fairly direct if a little hilly, but great for going back down to the hotel at night!

Accommodation

Since the plan is for all the British Masters Team to stay together, I propose to secure our accommodation in good time for us to get the hotel of our choice. In order to do so I need you to complete and return to me by 1st January 2004, the usual form for room shares and flights If you want to stay longer or shorter than 7 nights, please don’t forget to indicate on the form.

Once I have a feel for numbers I can start looking more closely at accommodation. No point looking at hotels etc that only have say 15 rooms when we might want 25 etc etc. I’m hoping to get to a couple of travel fairs in the next couple of months so maybe I’ll be lucky enough to find a deal similar to that we had in Munich – fingers crossed.

Booking Form

Click here for printable form    - N.B. Please print Landscape!

In order to work out number of rooms, and preferred airport of departure in case I can get any flight deals, I need your input. Please help me by completing this form and returning it to me asap, but not later than 1st January 2004. Circle everything that is applicable to your own and your partner’s requirements. Do not include anything that you, personally, are not intending to pay for. Sharer, other than partner, should fill in a separate form.

Regards,
Jenni Cluskey

5 Eunice Grove
Chesham
Buckinghamshire
HP5 1RL

Telephone:
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