Today customs had to come on Crazy Horse to inspect for the claims we filed for the VAT. There was quite a bit of work we had done here and the taxes would be nice to get some percentage back. We are hopeful and had to go and transport the agent here to make our claim. Most everyone has been nice but there is certainly a lot of going here and there, to this office and that one in order to check out of this country. We all have a huge appreciation to the World ARC for checking us in and out of countries - now that we have experienced doing the check out on our own. That is a huge advantage of doing this rally with the help of the rally control people. Thanks to them for everything they do to facilitate the process along quite efficiently.
We are finishing things up today and hope to be on our way as soon as possible. Charles the mechanic has been super in getting the engine back together after the major fire in the starter motor of the engine. He says we are lucky to have not lost the entire boat. We have been lucky that Bob found this angel and have offered to take him along to Brazil for further maintenance and repair work as necessary for free room and board. So far he has declined on the basis that he would be missed here. In fact, next month he is being flown to another part of Africa to work on some other sailors' boats. As it is, Ocean J and Crazy H have been fighting over his services.
We were able to have one last dinner last night with the crew of Chessie. They suggested a German restaurant and it was spectacular. We had great beer, wine, meat, dumplings, sauer kraut, etc. Then they were off back to Hout Bay to their boat last night and we heard that they are off on their way to Brazil today.
All the crews are working hard to shop, clean, and stow away all the supplies in a safe place.
Rosemary, Bill, and Matt