Off we go... ARC2008 Position:25:57.57N 15:44.17W
Symatchmaker
Mon 24 Nov 2008 12:37
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Early start this morning. Last night there was a
splendid firework display - fantastic - BUT the downside was that Matchmaker was
covered in pyrotechnic debris!
By 10 am the Bands had started and a festive
atmosphere spead throughout the Marina. Crowds of well wishers and locals lined
the Harbour walls and waved and cheered as one by one each ARC2008 Yacht left
its mooring for the adventure of an Atlantic crossing.
Matchmaker headed for the start line and got away
cleanly and safely - we took the precaution of tying a fender to the anchor.
Immediately after the start we headed out SE on a port side reach. After about
ten miles we then headed due south and goose- winged - heading towards the Cape
Verdes.
For the first few hours we were surrounded by
masses of boats - contestants and well wishes - then we started one by one
to leave them behind.
As evening settled we were in the companion of a
single other yacht Stardust of Burnham - who showed her port light to us all
night. We had a very quite and safe night. In the early morning we eased
past Stardust and up to Coyote.- We got a bit close to their fishing line
that we saw at the last moment - so we radioed to appologise (sorry again
Coyote) - Simon will by you a beer in St Lucia. Apparently they had
caught 2 dorado in the night... so we shall now get Calum on the
lines!
Crew all happy and well feed with Lamb Hotpot
evening meal and Fried eggs for breakfast!
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