We're off!
ULA
John & Jackie Richards
Mon 24 Nov 2008 12:05
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Position:026:19.00N
016:16.70W Well at long last we are on our way. The final few
days in Las Palmas were beginning to drag at bit with the final fresh food to
get on board and the last minute boat preparations. Everyone was getting
slightly nervous and we decided on a quiet last night rather than hit the party
scene. Fireworks at midnight on Saturday and then off to bed. Adrian and I
had attended the final skippers briefing where the advice was the best track
would be to go south initially and then go west just above the Cape Verde
Islands. Hopefully by then the quiet conditions in mid Atlantic will have moved
off and we will have some wind.
The start was exciting. Just getting 235 boats out
of the marina without a mishap was going to be a mission. ARC control advised
putting a fender on the anchor so if you did hit someone the damage would be
less.
We went out early to avoid the crowd and were waved
off by Caroline, Andy's wife and Jenny who had just completed a sailing course
in the south of the Island.
The start was get fun. The racers off first and
then the cruising class. A great day weather wise with blue skies and
moderate wind. Off we went to the south east to avoid the strong winds off
the airport and then south so we did not get in the wind shadow of the Island. A
first night at sea is always a time for getting into the routine and settling
the boat down, so we sailed conservatively. A nice night with some cloud but no
moon yet. The stars were really clear.
This morning dawned clear. The 8.00 am watch had
dolphins around the boat and we all got some photos.
We are just about to send the position to ARC
control and get the weather for the next few days.
Thinking of you all.
John
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