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Swan Valhalla - Log 6



First sailing blog- guest blogger, Victoria
 
After months of preparation, it was finally time to leave.
The boat and our 8 strong crew were ready as we would ever be.
Valhalla was packed to the brim with all of Yoyo's tasty treats, which even included a huge leg of dried cured ham, currently strapped to our saloon table below the cargo nets full of fruit & veg- picture to follow once we have a decent internet connection.
The harbour was buzzing and all of the boats were doing last minute jobs including last minute showers. I think Yoyo, Hen and myself must have had about 3 in the final 12 hours, knowing it would be the last for a while!
We were kitted out in our white crew t-shirts even having time for a photo (I am looking forward to seeing before and after shots)!
Around 11h30 on Sunday, we along with several other boats made our way out of the harbour with crowds looking on and waving us goodbye to the tune of trumpets.
It was an incredible send-off!!
We motored out of the harbour along with the other 225 competitors all gathering at the start line. Our sails were hoisted, engine shut off and Valhalla was ready to go when the start countdown came on the radio at 1pm.
We were off across the Atlantic!!!
Our plan is to head South towards Cape Verde and after about 4 days, we will turn West hopefully to catch the fabled trade winds.
After successfully negotiating the start line, we were met by a proper rain squall, we might as well have been in the English channel.
Since then, we have had between 3 and 30 knots of wind, with a few more squalls of rain, but also some "champagne" sailing.
The highlight so far has definitely been Nick catching a 15 pound Tuna with his newly purchased fishing rod.
The beast was expertly landed on the "poop" deck by Haig and Nick and was provided a quick ending by a winch handle.
Nick's tuna was expertly filleted by chef Yoyo who served fresh sushi with soy sauce and wasabi on the deck.
If this wasn't enough, we had sesame coated seared tuna steaks for dinner and salad nicoise for lunch today.
As always, Yoyo's creations have been exceptional!!!
A few issues on the boat were swiftly dealt by by Haig, and all we need now is for everyone to feel 100%, as we still seem to have a little "mal de mer" among the crew.
 
Daily runs so far:
Day 1- 157 miles
Day 2- 169 miles
 
Hey Ollie, Tina and Dodo, not missing me too much I hope! Love Mum.
 


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