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Arcarius of Plymouth - Arcarius Seems like "A load of old BULL to us!"




Seems like "A load of old BULL to us!"

Bull running? Yes an interesting pass-time that the Portuguese have traditionally embraced for hundreds of years. Not sure who decided it was a good idea or why. Six, incidentally girls, gorgeous white shirted toreadors, I presume that's what they are called, grip a long rope with a bull tethered at the end. Half way along this restraint are three more toreadors, also extremely handsome in white shirts. Not sure they are chosen for their bull taming skills. The idea is that the toreadors run a bull through the public streets but must prevent the bull from crossing the white"safe line" 500 meters ahead. A number of civilian dressed, professional bull tormentors are also placed in the street, their role, to antagonise the bull with red umbrellas until he is ready to gore anyone stupid enough to step in his path. At this stage of the game with only one inevitable ending the general public are invited to run through the streets dodging the angry bull if they can!!!!! Not sure it will catch on in Surrey.

Although we were convinced this strange Portuguese tradition was something the RSPCA would not endorse, we felt as visitors to the country we should at least taste their culture before we criticise it.

Most of the fleet were piled into taxis and driven to the beautiful, colourful, old street where this spectacle was about to commence. We took our safe positions on a high wall at the side of the road. Cameras were poised and set up and the team were in a safe position to watch the planned carnage unfold in front of us. The gun sounded to denote the release of the first bull, young men start running through the street. Yes they really do it. Loco!!!!!!! The angry bull charges down the street, the tormentors ensuring his fury is not diminished. Everyone is running from the bull, the street is in chaos! Disbelief overcomes me as one man in a smart sailing shirt "forgets" to flee from the bull."............... The bull unceremoniously flips him over. OMG it's our very own Skipper. He then retreats to attack another of his easy prey. Could it this time be Skipper of Webster in his red shorts or Igor, their Slovenian acrobat, who as always does not disappoint. He loses his footing so too did the skipper, Charlie and both suffer superficial cuts and bruises. All nutters!

As for our Skipper, all he wanted was a good photograph, he did however, costing him several scars and bruises, achieve both, the bull advancing and retreating. A true professional photographer.

A not to be repeated activity........

The Arcarius crew with their patched Skipper were then treated to an evening of entertainment from a local band, who were excellent.

After the activities of the last couple of days, we were ready for a night sail to Saint Miguel, the first port the Skipper has visited before. The cruising chute had been re-rolled, a team effort on the side of the pontoon, the sails, including the gennaker were flying, although the wind did die off overnight. First-mate was desperately looking for whales to swim amongst and Skipper having plotted our course congratulated us on a splendid effort and announced that as usual we were sailing exceptionally well but sadly as always, in the wrong direction!

It was good to be at sea again.


















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