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Aurelia - Not sure what day it is



Hello Aurelia followers

Apologies for no blog on our last day, we had some technical challenges and last night the technical challenges were self inflicted. I think the rest of the chaps were right when they said "i was away with the goalie"

It has been said that the blog has been a little lacking detail. This was obviously deliberate as I was encouraged not to be too specific by my fellow crew in order not worry those at home. Well now we have arrived that is now not relevant.

Our trip started with no power or ability to charge our batteries. This may not sound much but it was pretty major, so much so that we were debating turning back. No instruments, no fridge, no freezer, no water maker, bla, bla... after much stress and pressure on Mr H he managed to come up with a work around thanks to the support offered from Vicki in the UK. The trip was back on, although most of us were happy to go for it anyway, although 1 of us was not. He will remain nameless.

There has been too many other issues to cover in this email so I am afraid you will have to listen to our stories for months to come however it is worth highlighting one particularly frightening moment. Whilst minding our own business and enjoying the sunset we were shocked to see see a container pass our starboard side approx 20ft away. That would have obviously been a disaster and we would have most definitely put the life raft to test!

For those who haven't heard about our broach it is worth mentioning. During the night whilst flying the kite Nic and I were on shift enjoying hours of surfing the waves until one almighty wave helped encourage our broach. We were pinned on our ear for several minutes (that is what it felt like) whilst Ralph was nearly drowning below as 50+ gallons of water poured into the hatch. It took 4 hours to bail everything out. Nightmare.

As you all know we arrived at 04:00 (local time) yesterday. We were greeted by the shore crew and presented with a rum punch. Well, 24hrs later we were still on it! We did Scotland proud as we danced the night away at a street party which to memory was off the scale!


We are all a bit 'tired' today. Vincent (the local Nic) is cleaning the boat for us today which is great and tomorrow Mary is arriving to clean down below.

The good news is Ralph's bottom is on the mend

so prepare your ears for the stories from the transatlantic, wind swept and interesting Scots (and a French man)

Chow for now



J.McLeish
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