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Webster - Log 3 : The Start!!



The 24th November 2013. Start date for ARC 2013. It seems to have arrived in somewhat of a rush yet have been planning this for years. I just want to get going now having had nearly three weeks here in Gran Canaria preparing, yet even with the crew all here now there still seemed loads to do. A definite case of getting ready to get ready!

Having the rig cleared was a great relief earlier in the week which allowed us to get on with sorting the boat out; without that we would not have been going so many thanks go to Adrian at Eurospars in Plymouth for getting the new spreaders made up and delivered to home within a matter of two days from first cry for help to allow Ken, Carl and Jerry to bring out with them on the plane. Albert was delayed and missed all that fun and games - he got here on Friday evening. However, we have spent lots of time fiddling with SSB radio which although it seems to work has still not downloaded an email mainly due to interference, so I am told, and Sat phone which has been an absolute mare to configure. It is yet another area that Carl seems to be good at and thanks also go out to Rob Redman from home who has helped sort it.

All the meat and vegetables arrived yesterday, Saturday. The last job of pinning on the race number (170) was completed yesterday evening so we must be ready. How come I don't feel it necessarily? The start is today at 1300 with lightish winds forecast from the NW. We are warned of patches of light winds should we follow a rhumb line route so need to head South predominantly at first to skirt around a building low pressure system so it's a case of following the traditional 'Head South until the butter melts and turn right'. Hopefully that will give us some wind but a longer route of some 2.800 miles.

The crew seems to be gelling, with plenty of laughter. Let's hope that continues across the start line and beyond!! A few farewell calls to make this morning then we are off........can't believe this day has come.

Charlie




Charles Baynes
Sent from my iPad


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