Partying before the start

Peejay
Paul and Pat Marriage
Sat 21 Nov 2009 23:00
 
 

 

Paul was back in Las Palmas after a quick trip back to the UK. Pat, Barrie and Margery arrived a few days later. We were soon issued with our ARC number. 215 yachts were registered to start the 2009 Atlantic Crossing 

 

It’s official – we’re going

 

Benji arrived soon after and brought the medical kit. Comprehensive wasn’t the word for it. I started to think I needed a bigger boat.

 

Benji with some of the medical kit

 

 

 

 The ARC said we had to get into the carnival spirit. First we had to dig out our 40 signalling flags

 

Skipper with flags

 

And then we had to fly them all in the correct order to make the boats look festive.

 

Paul and Margery concentrating hard

 

 

With one week to go the opening ceremony took place. 30 nations were taking part this year and all took part in the parade.

 

Waiting for the start with the British flag

 

 

 

The next day Tyara arrived – just in time for our crew supper.

 

A rose between two thorns

 

Look at all the gear Tyara brought with her! – I got that I might need a bigger boat feeling again.

 

Where you going to sleep then ?

 

Time was ticking away fast – and there were still lots of jobs to do. But hey – we had parties to go to. The fancy dress theme this year was children’s TV so we had a go at looking like Smurfs.

 

Not sure St Lucia knows what its let itself in for.

 

 

 

What a handsome couple

 

 

 

Apparently Papa Smurf wears red instead of white

 

 

It all seemed like a good idea on the boat – but then we had to wander through the streets of Las Palmas to get to the party. Still it kept some of the locals amused – that’s the ones who didn’t run away screaming.

 

On the way – glad it was getting dark

 

3 days to go and it was time for Benji and Tyara to practice their life raft skills.

 

Benji getting drowned – all part of the fun

 

 

It’s definitely easier when you put the spray hood on

 

Tyara’s turn next but she was spared the drowning routine.

 

Tyara about to join Benji in the life raft

The locals are very used to supplying a lot of food to a lot of people at the last minute. Definitely need a bigger boat!

 

First the bread arrived

 

 

Then the fruit and vegetables – I think I need a cruise liner !

 

Tyara breathed a huge sigh of relief at this point -

 

Meanwhile the skipper was giving the crew a safety briefing

 

This is a sea brake Benjamin -not a fishing device.

 

Tyara soon got fed up with that and gave us her own briefing

 

Indian rope trick anyone?

 

 

There was still just about time for learning the age old methods of navigation. Compulsory sextant practice for all.

 

It’s not compulsory to stick it up your nose Benji.

 

 

 

And then it was the last evening and just time for the now compulsory painting on the wall.

 

Pat doing her stuff

 

Goodbye all – see you in St Lucia