Today I have been in Las Palmas 1 week and after Steve and Martin arrived has been extremely busy for us.
But our work was fairly easy if you compare it to Geraldine’s. We are a lucky bunch with a chef on board. She has done all the groceries, precooked some meals and there is an extensive spreadsheet with all things we have on board and in which bunk it can be found. If we end up in a doldrum and have to spend 3 additional weeks on the Atlantic I think we will be completely fine. Also with the wine and beers.
The ARC gives all sailors the opportunity to follow numerous seminars and they have been very interesting with all kinds of pieces of advice. The downwind sailing seminar for example taught me to adjust the halyard every 3 or 4 hours just to prevent chafe. During the ‘nightsky’ seminar I learnt that we will be entertained with meteor showers as of the 7th of December. Prediction is that around the 14th it will be as much as 200 per hour.
I have seen 2 shooting stars in my life and they were both after George died. It won’t be that special anymore after this trip..
I also liked the life raft seminar in the pool. It was good to actually see a life raft come to life and trying to climb into it with a life jacket on. Apparantly it does not matter if you are prone to seasickness or not: everybody gets seasick in a life raft and therefor you should take the seasickness medication immediately. Let’s just hope we don’t need it.
The ARC Rally is a relatively safe crossing so I am not too concerned, but I did decide to take an emergency at sea course a soon as I get the opportunity.
You think you are a good sailor only to realise this week there is so much more to learn.. and I am loving every part of it.
Before you think it’s only serious business down here: the parties have also been great. We have a sun (or rain) downer every day were we meet other sailors. We have had a number of really good (dinner) parties and still have some to come. Last nights Rio (carnaval) party for example was great, all the effort people put into it was simply amazing. Luckily I don’t get hangovers..
3 more days till the start. We still have some chores to do (one of which will be throwing me in the water and practise getting me back on the boat), but all in all I feel very confident that we are well prepared.
And the rain? I don’t worry too much: we are going to be cruising to the right part of the world ☀️
Angelasails.com 