We slipped our mooring lines at 8.30 am and motored to Europa point, where a Naval gun ship with a photographer on board moved between all 18 rally yachts. A gun was fired from the headland at 10.00 am signalling the start of the Blue Water Rally 2009! As we crossed the start line all the yachts were hooting their horns, rally supporters stood up on Europa Point were clapping and shouting, it was all very emotional, we were finally off! So, with no wind forecast we motored away from Gibraltar. This is what all the planning and preparation for the last year or so has been about. This is what has caused so many restless nights and stress filled days. But now we are here, on our way to Lanzarote and starting an adventure of a lifetime.

Earlier in the week we had bought a new fishing line and reel and within 30 minutes of crossing the start line we had a tuna on the line, it was gutted ,filleted and despatched to the fridge for consumption that evening. A message was relayed over the net later that day from Tony saying “Congratulations on catching the first fish of the rally”! What a great start!

We had a clear night and the sky was full of stars but no stargazing tonight. We had to keep our eyes firmly on the horizon as the African coast was full of fishing boats so we spent the rest of the night trying to avoid them. We had an uncomfortable night with a confused sea which makes the boat roll from side to side, something I’m sure we’ll just have to get used to!