the ARC has officially started
Zahara: The story so far......
Ron Dunn
Sun 15 Nov 2009 19:19
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The ARC started today with all the participating countries (16) parading, Olympic style, behind their countries flags. It was all very exciting, colourful and noisy. There are over 200 boats here now with still a few to come. I've included a few pics which don't really do the event justice but you'll get the general idea. I have to say that the Dolphin pic is pretty amazing. the other 20 I took were just sea with the odd splash but I got very lucky with that one. They don't exactly hang around and there was quite a lot of swell as well. It has become my new screen saver! More parties this week and more work on Zahara. I've just got one more trip up the mast then I may be able to go shopping. it's difficult provisioning for three to four weeks at sea but I guess we won't starve! I have now got a fishing rod as well so maybe I'll get lucky one day and land something edible though nothing too big or with sharp teeth I don't really want the cockpit to end up looking like a scene from 'theTexas chain saw massacre'! I understand that the way to pacify them is to squirt a little alchohol in their gills (works on me too!) I have to say that Las Palmas has rather grown on me (now the sun has re-appeared) the authorites here have gone to great lengths to make us welcome. Two night ago there was a reception with speaches etc etc but they created a tremendous carnival atmosphere with drum bands, extravagent costumes, fireworks etc and free booze and Tapas. You realise how big an event this is for the place. Anyway, having a day off tomorrow to go on a tour of the island. It'll be nice to have a break from all the work. another update soon....... Have more than one Hotmail account? Link them together to easily access both. |
