Wind from the North West, force 3-4, gentle seas. We have just had
supper (bangers, mash and broccoli) and are settling in for the first
night at sea.
It has been a reasonably busy last couple of days of preparation -
re-stocking our food suppliers, topping up the water tanks, collecting
sails that needed patching, etc.
The most entertainment was gained on refueling day - each boat had a
dedicated time slot to leave their berth, and head up to a separate
quary to top up their diesel tanks.
However, for those if us who where moored stern-to the marina quay, the
biggest challenge was getting away. There was a strong headwind, and
when the first boat tried to
leave, they were unable to free their anchor (it was stuck underneath
the huge hurricane chain on the sea bed). Consequently, as the wind
caught them, they swung around and their propeller
managed to cut the mooring line of 3 other boats! Pandemonium ensued
and we did out bit to help secure the other yachts - Toby most
heriocally (fortunately we were not affected).
The start was a little sketchy - rather than giving us a start line out
to sea with plenty of space, we had 30+ boats jostling for position
inside the St Georges Lagoon, and then funnelled through
the narrow gap out to the atlantic. Fortunately, everyone behaved and
no incidents - and also some great photos.
Morale on board is high, though so far, no fish.