A weekend saying farewell to family and friends was followed by fresh food stores and final kit on board on Monday. The ARC crew caterer, Mark, brought along several boxes of supplies ready for the Atlantic crossing. Despite our thoughts of where was it all going to fit, we stowed everything away with space to spare. I'm fascinated to know what delights are going to be prepared with an extra-large jar of dried mushrooms and equally large jars of artichoke hearts. I'm happy to give the evaporated milk and Haribo a miss!

So to Monday evening, dinner at home, taxi booked, last minute house jobs and an early night.

Finally, after almost 12 months, departure day has arrived. A last-minute hitch, the TV wasn't working - no not for sport watching but used for navigation. A breaker was reset and right on time at midday we set off.
Departing the harbour we waved at Sally's parents on the Round Tower - it brought back memories for me of the many times the children and I waved Nigel out and home whilst he was serving in the RN.

We are now at sea, after motoring to start, there is now a favourable wind and the sails are out. A great start.
I spoke too soon, as ever with boat ownership/sailing, problems arise, the Automatic Identification System (AIS) wasn't working. A loose fuse and re-soldered connection solved the problem - thank you Simon. We can now see and be seen by other vessels, essential for crossing the shipping lanes later today.

More info on the night sail to Guernsey in the next blog.

Catherine