And the Blog continues.
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14:04.48N 060:56.94W
So, the intrepid trio made it, in relatively good time,
but more to the point - safe and with no damage other than a broken rope holding
the parasailor. That may arguably have lost them a bit of time, but that's
all. Needless to say we have heard many a story from other boats who had a
hard time of it...including one that sank! The family (2 young kids)
carried on regardless in a chartered boat. The saddest/bravest story of
all of them however, was that of a French catamaran. The father of the
crew was lost overboard on the way down to Gran Canaria. In his honour
they renamed the boat "Merci Papa" and took part as intended and made good time.
A few tears were shed at that announcement. The marina was heaving up until 17th, which was the
official closing date and the prize giving bash, Our pals on Mr X made it
with an hour to spare to get there...Manuela urging the crew along with the
phrase "Cinderella will go to the ball". The jammy sods got a
prize for coming last as well!
It was great seeing boats come in, and Mr X got the best
welcome of all. I particularly enjoyed wandering around the marina looking
for boats I had been tracking back at home and chatting with them. Ditto
Peter who exchanged banter with those boats who passed him, and those he got in
ahead off. Not, of course, that this was a race you understand?
Yeah, right. A great sense of camaraderie prevailed in the camp none
the less. A lot of boats have now moved on. All the ARC staff
have gone home as well as a lot of crew from some 200 boats. Our crew have
departed. Peter N and his wife Sandra and daughter Alexia are on their way
to Dominica, whilst Gary gave himself a birthday treat helicopter ride to the
airport yesterday afternoon, and is now back in (sunny?)
Bolton. There have been a few drinks parties on various boats, including Christine, and we have got fairy lit and tinselled up...well until today that is!
We are staying put in the Marina until Boxing Day. Not exactly sure how Christmas Day will be spent as yet, but I have to confess, Dear Followers that this morning saw us contemplating flights home for a proper Christmas! We have got used to daily downpours and at least twice nightly ones, but Ye Gods it has been non-stop from about 9.30 last night until 3pm today. I am talking serious deluges here and looking out of the window, there is more coming our way! So much for Facebook comments re: me being smug!  So - what next? Well we are waiting for our friends
Glenda and Ian plus Ned, G's son, to arrive in from Barbados. They
will have had a pretty horrible crossing, so am planning a welcome dinner.
A bit Hobson's Choice but I am sure they won't mind - I am becoming a dab
hand at mixing rum punches so that might help. We will then go and have a pootle around the island,
maybe anchor overnight at a few spots then south on to St Vincent and Grenada.
Plans do somehow tend to change though, for many and varied reasons, so
continue to watch this space. Pics will be taken and uploaded where and when possible.
In the meantime enjoy the run up to Christmas, and all our very best
wishes to you for a very Happy Christmas. Love,
L&P |
