Well tis the eve of the Arc and we have had a busy morning, firstly shopping for those final bits and pieces we can try and shoehorn into the fridge!

Lasagna is now made for tomorrow nights supper so Karen thought s now have time to collect and reflect on the last couple of weeks in Las Palmas.

Although we had great plans to see the rest of the island …… well the best laid plans of mice and men and all that , it just didn’t happen.  There always seemed to be something else to do here on the boat or in town and of course we had to get back in time for the various parties.   We have had a great time here and the hospitality has been stupendous from the early evening ‘Sundowners’ sponsored each evening by local butchers, grocers, and various business and where we got the chance to sample great food to the full on ‘drinking parties’!    Last night was the final ‘one held at the local Yacht Club and I think we are all a little subdued today.  One of the most memorable parties was the ‘Masked Ball’.  Although we Persephoneers where very reluctant to dress up we are glad we made the effort.    We were at a loss upon our arrival as to how or what we should dress up as.  Eventually, after a few sleepless nights , Karen hit upon the idea of the boat name and suggested we dressed as Greek Gods.  Karen, obviously, was to be Persephone, complete with pomegranate, Nigel her consort as Hades , Michael had come armed with his lightning bolt , cleverly fashioned by Anna back in the UK ,to play the part of Zeus and Rich and Gav were suitable attired in togas and crowns as two escorting Greek gods.   It was great to see all the crews making such fantastic efforts.

Nigel and Mike are currently attending the skippers briefing where they will also get an up to date weather briefing.   Today is absolutely glorious, as we sit here on deck the sun is burning down upon us but tomorrow, we understand, is going to be a whole different ball game!    Currently the forecast is for rain and wind on the nose of about 25knots – so we may not have our ‘sunny downwind’ start we were all hoping for to celebrate the Skipper’s birthday.

Mike and Nigel have just come back from the briefing with the news that the ARC for the cruising section has been postponed for 48 hours.   However, the racing section will start on time tomorrow.  The rationale about postponing the Cruise Division would appear to be mainly concerning the number of families with small children on board.

This is going to be our last posting for a while we may be able to put up the odd line or two whilst making our crossing so do check the site occasionally.  We can also pick up the occasional email so we would love to hear from you.  Please just remember that if you reply to anything we have sent to you that you don’t simply reply on the back of that but start a new email.  Also no attachments as our system will struggle to download them.    Just in case you don’t have it to hand, our email whilst at sea is Persephone {CHANGE TO AT} mailasail {DOT} com