CREW ARRIVAL AND TOURS OF A SERIOUSLY DIFFERENT NATURE...
Aquila
Alan and Sarah Bennett
Fri 30 May 2008 20:53
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Thursday morning began with a compliment to Aquila
from Jon Spiller, a fellow mariner alongside the marina - always a good way to
start the day for the skipper!
One of the critical events of the entire trip was
due to take place in the early afternoon with the arrival of Tom and Ian Adams
from the UK. Mummy and Pippa duly headed off to the airport to collect them with
the latter being particularly relieved by their arrival as it meant she is let
off reserve crew duties!
The afternoon was spent settling the new arrivals
in - Ian spent some time in the water helping clean Ariel's
hull ready for her imminent departure and Tom was attempting (possibly in
vain...) to adapt to the humidity.
In the evening we had Ralph Richardson, Commodore
of the Royal Bermuda Yacht Club onboard for drinks. His company was enjoyed
before he had to leave and Sir Richard Gozney KCMG, Governor and
Commander-in-Chief of Bermuda joined us. Henry and Ian Adams and Jez were with
us as well providing for a thoroughly entertaining time.
While the Adams' and Jez went for drinks and a
catch-up the Bennetts benefited from Sir Richard's very kind invitation to have
supper at Government House where we were extremely well looked after and met
Justin, a barrister on the island and Judy and Peter - thank you to all for such
a lovely evening.
Aquila was heavily loaded with six asleep in the
cabin last night but she coped admirably. On Friday the Bennetts, by invitation
of Jon Spiller, were shown around the Lady Christina, a 1,200 ton (200 ft)
superyacht alongside here at the club. Luxury doesn't even begin to describe her
and our many thanks to Jon for taking time out of his day to show us
around - here's hoping your season is as enjoyable as ours.
Later in the morning we lined the marina wall to
wave farwell to Henry and Jez as they set off in Ariel for the Azores; they
looked up for the challenge and happy to be under way so best of luck to them -
maybe Aquila will see you mid-Atlantic for a drink...?
The Bennetts and Ian then enjoyed lunch at the club
before heading to the Royal Navy Dockyards for some history...interesting and
very well presented (though after three weeks on a board completely above the
academic level for Pippa...!)
The last night onboard for Sebastian and Pippa this
evening with the skipper's tentative plans to sail from Bermuda on
Monday...
Ariel's departure with Henry and
Jez...
 Lunch at the club...
 Lady Christina, a tour courtesy of skipper
Jon...
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