Current position "28:07.68N 15:25.62W". After yesterday’s seminar on rigging James went up the mast to check all the rig for any loose wires, broken strands, missing split pins etc. All was in great shape. He took the opportunity to get some pics – see attached. Chris and Byron came back from their seminars on provisioning, and then on downwind sailing – no dramatic learning points for us, we’ve done so much research already, but still good tips and reminders about how to minimise chafe (wear on ropes etc) and keeping fresh food – our hammock net in the fore-cabin is ideal -  dry and airy and we can keep dark, which apparently things like onions and potatoes like to avoid sprouting.

 

We had our two final vendor visits, from Raymarine (who make the electronics) – all of that gear is fine – and Lewmar (who make the steering gear etc). The steering needed tightening up, which feels much better, but the modifications to the steering gear that I’d had done in Lagos are all fine. We also had our safety check review – this was a follow-up to the check we’d had done on Saturday. At that one we’d been given a thumbs-up, but had a couple of small items to complete, such as having two more red parachute flares. With these signed off we’re good to go!

 

 

In the meantime, the “Yellowbrick” man came round and fitted our tacking device. This is the tracker that you’ll be able to follow on the www.worldcruising.com/arc website. Look for ARC 2011 fleet tracker. Our number is 175. You can see a pic of the tracker, as well as a view across one of the pontoons showing all the flags up – it’s quite impressive..