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Zafiro - Log 2 - First solo and Registration



Due to work commitments, my wife Caroline and daughter Ellie have been unable to join me at Plymouth until Friday. So after nearly 39 years since my first solo in a RAF Jet Provost aircraft I successfully completed my first solo in a 36ft yacht, moving Zafiro from Plymouth Yacht Haven to the Mayflower marina this morning. This first solo was equally as nerve racking as the last but at the same time very satisfying.

I received a very warm welcome from the guys at Mayflower and I should like to extend a special thank you to Harry for being on hand as I rounded the headland who directed me to my berth and was there to take the lines.

After checking in I was able to be the first into registration where I was met by Andrew and the rest of the ARC team. Registration went smoothly and was efficiently handled by Andrew who kindly pointed out my omissions that I had failed to complete on line..!

I was unexpectedly presented with a very nice “Gucci” ARC bag which was ideal for keeping the paperwork I had failed to fill in correctly. Alvaro handed out the pre ordered polo shirts and Andrew produced another surprise gift of 3 crew T shirts. He proudly told me that this year they had male and female tailored fit. This is where the good news ended as the female sizing went M, L and XL....!!!! Really. 

I wish it to be publicly known that Andrew has taken on sole responsibility for handing out ladies sizes as he thinks fit and it has nothing at all to do with loved ones or skippers who collected the items.

The ensuing safety check that I had been a little apprehensive about was carried out in a very friendly, efficient and good natured way by Chris who also offered very useful advice along the way.

The weather has been kind today with glorious sunshine and shows Plymouth at its best. So now it’s off to enjoy the excellent facilities at Mayflower and to prepare for this evenings bash at the Corinthian YC to view our intended start line on Sunday.

Rob Fletcher Skipper 



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