Update Diary
Solo unsupported Atlantic Row
Anthony Titcombe
Fri 15 Jan 2010 20:18
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Hi all
You may have been following the events of my time
since arriving in La Gomera, I don't then obviously want to go over that again
if a lot of followers are up to speed.
I would suggest visiting my diary page on my web
site for those that have missed the events thus far, "shame on
you".
Today, well for those that know about the on going
saga to obtain permission to leave port.
I went to see Jose the marina port capitano early
this morning - I have to say that he has been extremely helpful and in
retrospect I wish I'd gone to see him earlier.
I didn't as I didn't want to be seen
as treading on other peoples toes, for want of a better
_expression_.
He kindly offered to ring the powers to be in Santa
Cruz over on the island of Tenerife - he has been ringing since Wednesday. I
popped into his office yesterday afternoon as previously arranged to see if I
had been given the green light to go, a shake of the head was evident enough, I
had another night to endure chewing my finger nails!
As anyone that knows me - I don't fret/panic or get
in a tizzy about anything really, I'm just very laid back, I tend to look at the
big picture - I came to the conclusion years ago that worrying doesn't have any
bearing on a problems eventual outcome whatsoever!
But, have I been kept awake at night going over and
over the different scenarios with port clearance? You betcha!!
I duly turned up at the marina office this morning
- as soon as Jose saw me I saw him reach for my papers and pick up the phone. I
don't speak Spanish but it was quite obvious from his body language that a green
light was not going to be the answer I was hoping for.
When the call had finished he asked about the
Yachtmaster Ocean Certificate, he said they have stated that you should have
another document when you receive this, I said no, that is the only certificate
you get - it has big RYA letters on it etc etc.
After looking through my papers again and again,
VHF licence, ships licence, Yachtmaster - Sea survival - First aid at sea RYA
certificates, he said, I can see you have all the documents required - every
year with independent rowers we have the same problems, you supply the correct
papers but they always ask for another, then another piece of paper because it
is obviously a very dangerous row.
He then said when do you intend to leave, I said as
soon as the weather dictates, he said you have all the correct papers I will
stamp you papers then you can go!!
At last someone with common sense - so there you
have it, I will be setting off as soon as the storm out in the Atlantic moves
north, I will keep you updated, watch this space!!!
Regards to all
Anthony
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