ARC minus 2
 
                1000knights
                  
                  
Fri 19 Nov 2010 13:13
                  
                | After an astonishing amount of preparation, some 
more still to do, we are almost ready for the 'OFF' on sunday at 1300hrs.  
Lawrence came out to Las Palmas with me 10 days ago. I could never have got 
ready in time without all his  help which has been fantastic. James and NIck arrived on wednesday.  
Followers of these two will be amused to hear that they were both fast asleep by 
10pm last night...exhausted!  Skipper is assured that it is his harsh 
expectations of work to be done and nothing to do with the Fancy Dress party on 
wednesday night.  We all went as Popeye, no volunteers for Olive 
Oil.  Nick brought balloons which we put under our T shirt sleeves and 
painted anchors on forearms.  It does appear to be true that pretty girls 
are very attracted to large male muscles, we thought the pins wielded by 
boyfriends were just due to envy.  The boat was lifted out of the water yesterday, 
Spanish style, a lot of friendly noise and very little understanding on either 
side.  The crane broke down just as we were being lifted back into the 
water, Lawrence and I suspended for the next two hours, with even more 
noise and discussion as van after van loaded with 
' experts'  tried to start the engine.  Fortunately James 
and Nick were on dry land so they went off to do the stores shopping.  This 
should arrive this morning.  Judging by the till receipt, nearly two metres 
of it, I am sure that we will trail the fleet by some way. We have the farewell party tonight anda final  
frantic day tomorrow.  I am just wary of the Skippers briefing at midday 
when no doubt I will discover things I should have thought 
of. All in high spirits here getting ready 
for  first three days of feeling sick! Richard |