ARC 2008
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A week from now we will be sailing out of the marina and
on to the start line for the start of the Atlantic Rally for Cruisers 2008.
There are now 214 boats officially entered with 11 boats having withdrawn due
to problems or other commitments en route. Trish and I have spent the last week preparing the boat
in readiness for the 3,000 nautical Mile crossing and Chris Davenports arrival
on Wednesday gave us an extra pair of hands for cleaning the boat stem to stern
and using this exercise to check the boat out. Oyster send a team to Las Palmas
each year to give all their boats a thorough health check and Curious passed
hers with flying colours.
We were joined yesterday by Helen and Adrian Vicker and
have celebrated Helen's birthday today with the official opening of ARC 2008,
with a procession down the marina with participants carrying their national
flags.
This was followed by what is billed as The International
Dinghy Race but what is in reality anarchy afloat!!!!
The fourth member of the ARC crew will be here on Monday
when Canadian Glenn Ross arrives. We will then focus heavily on all aspects
related to the passage itself, leaving Trish and Helen to complete the
provisioning. There is a real buzz around the marina and the city
itself and the locals have made everyone really welcome and as can be seen from
the dinghy race photos have joined in the festivities. There have also been
parties most nights hosted by local businesses and the mayor. There is a BBQ
and open air dance tonight put on by Don Pedro who owns the Texaco fuel dock
with free food and drink for all ARC skippers and their crews. It’s party
time!!!!!!!!
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