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Tuesday 9th December 2008

Destination - Sharm el Sheik

Lazy days spent on a fabulous day-boat, blue water with some of the worlds greatest attractions. Chance to dive the world renowned Thistlegorm, Ras Mohammed, Tiran - the names just scream amazing diving.

So the SUCS holiday destination for 2008 is Sharm.

Departing from London Gatwick, we will be flying with Britannia Airways

and staying at the 4* all-inclusive

Tropicana Garden Palms

"located in Na’ama Bay, our four stars Hotel offer rooms with beautiful scenery with views overlooking the pool and Sinai Mountains. Your clients can relax by one of our two sweet-water swimming pools (one heated pool) or to lay-on by our private beach at the Tropicana Grand Oasis Resort.

Our facilities also include a lounge, multi purpose rooms, lobby bar, a buffet-restaurant, a souvenir shop, and various other shops. For the well-being of our guests, medical services are provided.

The hotel offers 236 rooms situated in two storey-buildings. All rooms are fully equipped with a private bathroom, satellite TV, mini bar, air-conditioning, direct telephone line and a safety deposit box free of charge at the reception."

But we didnt come here just to have a drink and lie on a sunbed (didnt we?)

Diving & Discovery

Let's talk about that other stuff we do, you know that dive malarky.

Well this is Sharm and THE Red Sea resort, so most of the sites have mooring buoys saving all that coral. Expect a load of the usual suspects and possibly a few larger pelagics if you are lucky. With stunning viz this is definitely one for underwater cameras.

Our base and guides for this trip will be Dive & Discovery.

Minimum level for all this lot will be Sport or PADI AOW (with deep). If you are an Ocean diver now you must be a FULL Sport diver prior to departure. By that I mean that you have also done your progression up to 35m. Even if you are a Sport diver, if it's been a while since you've dived with us you must do a full scuba review (and pass) prior to the trip. There will be an opportunity to do a Nitrox course before departure. Very much reccommended as it's free!

Please note that this is very much follow the leader type diving in groups of no more than 3 or 4 buddy pairs and max depth + BSAC standards will be applied.

Updated 09.05

Basic Itinary

Tues 9th - Arrive

Wed 10th - 2x easy checkout dives in the local area

Thur 11th - Tiran 2x dives

Fri 12th - Ras Mohammed 2x dives + Night Dive

Sat 13th - Day off - The beach :-)

Sun 14th - The Thistlegorm

Mon 15th - Ras Mohammed 2x Dives

Tue 16th - Depart

So how much for all this lot?

Basic cost for the Flights, All-inclusive Hotel and Insurance is £450. That is however based on getting the right number for the group discounts. 10 is good 19 bad.

Full holiday and dive Insurance is included for the 7 day holiday and the lead up to it*, but there is another option to have an annual policy. If you go on holiday more than once a year, then well worth getting. This will add £50 to your bill.

In the event we do get the discounts and nothing is broken, then there is a good chance of a small refund.

Updated 09.05

Dive costs are based on a 11 dives, which include 1 night dive, 2 dives on the Thistlegorm, 2x permits to Ras Mohammed, drinks on the boat and free nitrox.

Total at the moment for this is £212.

Deadlines

Total Holiday Cost (Including Insurance) £450

First up 10 is the magic number and the minimum for the trip to be viable.

Because group discounts are based on multiples of 10, the first

10 people to put their name down, will get a refund.

This will be booked in the next few weeks, so you need to be in a

position to pay the initial deposit (including insurance), of £180.

The balance of £270 - At the end of September.

Actual diving costs to be paid at the end of the holiday.

NB: Paying the deposit means that you are obliged to pay the balance. If you cant go, then either it's medical and insurance covers it, or it's personal in which case it's up to you to sell your

space. Regardess of circumstance the club will NOT bail out any individual who has made the wrong decision.

To put your name down - go here