15th Jan
ratCATcher
Andre and Alison Stroebel
Sun 16 Jan 2011 07:48
14th January 2011
One more sleep!!
Years and months of planning are finally at their end. Things aboard have been a little insane the last week. The list of things to do continues to grow.
For one who is not a shopping fan at the best of time the rounds for provisioning went pretty smoothly. The task of packing it all in was daunting but once I got stuck in and started it all went well and now everything has a place and is in its place..... I hope. A list of "where to find what" has been drawn up; but no guarantee to them being decipherable when we need them. J Once things at sea calm down I will be able to convert them to computer organised "find it" lists.
The "Cape Doctor" (the South East wind) has been blowing gale force for the last 2 weeks with one days break. The predictions are that it will die down to an "acceptable" level for the start tomorrow. Sadly the sea conditions will continue to be undesirable for the first few days. We are all hoping the winds do as predicted and we have good winds and not these insane screaming banshees that have been attacking all and everything.
The sea state reports say 5 - 6 meter swells up the west coast. So lumpy and bumpy is the order of the day for us.
Today everyone at the club has been queuing from early for a turn at the washing machines. Sheets are in and at least crew will have clean sheets to sleep on for one night. J After our "sleep over" party last Saturday every sheet on the boat was used and needed to be done. Clothes from the last week are in line for the next load.
Then we are off to get the fresh vegetables and fruit, do last minute bank "chores" and pick up certificates that were sent on "African time" J
Tomorrow's agenda:
· 07h00 - buffet breakfast for crews at RCYC.
· 07h00 to 08h45- last visitors popping in to say bye.
· 09h00 - Blessing of the fleet
· 10h00 - Set out to the start line
· 12h00 - start of the race to co-inside with the Signal Hill noon gun.
· THEN WE ARE OFF.!!!!!!!!!
To all family, friends and fans J thanks for your good wishes, prayers and support. Be safe till we meet again!
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