Fw: Las Palmas, Friday 22 November

Alcedo
David Batten
Fri 22 Nov 2013 17:38
Wednesday.
Started day by making sure guest cabins were ready for crew arrival later
today. Then S to lecture on first aid while D continued with the ever long
boat "to do" list. Found the 8 litre water bottle pump in the Chinese
quarter (at last) and then back to an excellent lecture on the night sky.
Third member of crew, David Gregg, from now onwards to be known as "Greggie" so
he and David B do not get confused every time someone says David, arrived as
planned in time for late lunch. D and S then went to lecture on St Lucia
and discovered best area for bird watching and what else to do when we get
there. After that, red letter day for S who went up the mast for the first time
ever, only to top spreaders and it was very calm conditions, but a milestone
nonetheless. Lovely view and lots of photographs for evidence.
![]() Jane and Venetia arrived just in time for the sundowner and an excellent
supper at the restaurant beyond the boat yard. Both had come well prepared
with boat spares and essential stores like coffee and chocolate, lots of
both!
Thursday. Up early to go out for a familiarisation and
preparatory sail to make sure everything working properly, including the
crew. No wind and quite bumpy, so put all the sails up and down and
returned to our berth with good timing so not in the way of the helicopter
demonstration. Lots of flares being let off as we entered the marina and
happily lots of crew to help with the tying up. After that, more
boat duties and cleaning and shopping. Sarah joined us for lunch and then
painted the most lovely kingfisher on the wall behind the boat.
![]() Then more shopping at the Hipo Dino and a great supper on board with all
the crew and Sarah
Friday. Market day, great fun for 4 of the crew while David B
finished the rigging. Now off to buy essential fittings for the water
filter and hooks.
In haste.
Alcedo
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