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
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It’s official – we’re
going |
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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.
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Benji with some of the medical
kit |
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The ARC said we had to get into the
carnival spirit. First we had to dig out our 40 signalling
flags
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Skipper with
flags |
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And then we had to fly them all in
the correct order to make the boats look festive.
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Paul and Margery concentrating
hard |
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With one week to go the opening
ceremony took place. 30 nations were taking part this year and all took part in
the parade.
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Waiting for the start with the
British flag |
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The next day Tyara arrived – just in
time for our crew supper.
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A rose between two
thorns |
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Look at all the gear Tyara brought
with her! – I got that I might need a bigger boat feeling
again.
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Where you going to sleep then
? |
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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.
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Not sure St
Lucia knows what its let itself in
for. |
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What a handsome
couple |
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Apparently Papa Smurf wears
red instead of white |
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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.
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On the way – glad it was
getting dark |
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3 days to go and it was time for
Benji and Tyara to practice their life raft skills.
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Benji getting drowned – all
part of the fun |
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It’s definitely easier when
you put the spray hood on |
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Tyara’s turn next but she was spared
the drowning routine.
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Tyara about to join Benji in
the life raft |
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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!
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First the bread
arrived |
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Then the fruit and vegetables – I
think I need a cruise liner !
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Tyara breathed a huge sigh of
relief at this point - |
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Meanwhile the skipper was giving the
crew a safety briefing
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This is a sea brake Benjamin
-not a fishing device. |
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Tyara soon got fed up with that and
gave us her own briefing
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Indian rope trick
anyone? |
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There was still just about time for
learning the age old methods of navigation. Compulsory sextant practice for all.
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It’s not compulsory to stick
it up your nose Benji. |
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And then it was the last evening and
just time for the now compulsory painting on the wall.
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Pat doing her
stuff |
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Goodbye all – see you in
St
Lucia |
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