This last day in las palmas has been a busy one for all of us, with Dave and Dan chasing down gas , Tim and I cleaning and rigging the boat, the skippers breifing for Tom and Dave, and stowing and lashing going on apace. The boat is now cleared for action, as Nelson might say. We spent an hour this morning chatting through the various issues relating to the boat, and another hour and half this afternoon going through the safety briefing , getting a note of important procedures, like rigging checks, and generally getting in to idea of sailing.
I have not set foot on a yacht since the fastnet, and I am still finding it hard to believe that I am actually here and ready to go. The day after the fastnet, having survived the whole race without injury, I fell down the stairs at home, and tore the cartilage in my left knee. This, I thought, would mean I could not come on this long-planned trip. Then my trial, which should have finished a week ago, ran over by a week, and in fact the jury I now learn will not actually retire until Tuesday, so I am truly lucky to have made it here yesterday.I had not met the other Tim before, nor Skipper's brother Rob, and have spent a pleasant day with both of them.We had fab lunch in the Sailor's bar together. I will be paired up with Tim now, so there is always a Tim on watch, but it may mean I am not going to chat with him much until St Lucia.Tim and Rob get on so well, they have just gone for a shower together
Last night was another great party for the crews, and we did not get to bed until 2am. Today there is a real sense of purpose in the air. The array of bunting in every direction at this marina is gone. Quiet chats are going on aboard boats around us.This evening we have had a delightful dinner at a local restaurant. Dave was touched by charm of our waitress and leaves Las Palmas with happy memories.
I think we are all eager to get out there and get on with the great adventure.
Tim D