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Shelena - Finally Away for ARC+



26:28.64N 016:48.49W
Monday 9th November 2015

So, yesterday was the start of the ARC+ Rally, (not race) when about 70
yachts departed Las Palmas, Gran Canaria for Mindelo, Sao Vicente in the
Cape Verde islands. The pace of preparation has been steady for the 3 weeks
we have been at Las Palmas. Helen took charge of the provisioning because
really our crew arrival was too late, but we exchanged emails and everybody
is easy on what they eat. There is a helpful service from a number of food
stores that will freeze and vacuum meet and similar items. It worked ok
apart from the meat that arrived, fresh, 10 hours late; but was replaced
next day. Propane was a headache to obtain until a local Dutch lady stepped
forward to visit the factory daily to obtain the essential gas. Of course,
there is always an endless list of stuff for Shelena who expects to be well
treated with extras before departure. Then, of course, we have the continual
supply of Oyster assistance to try to fix things that need to be replaced or
repaired. But the preparations were interrupted. My Birthday. Huge surprise
when our 3 daughters, with 2 boyfriends showed totally unexpectedly at my
birthday lunch. The best ever present for my 60th!

Back to sailing. Yes, we departed in sunshine and winds that built as we
entered the acceleration zone and for several hours into the night. An
excellent start. Kathy spotted a pod of dolphins twice and we saw a turtle
too. Not bad for the first 3 hours sailing..
Fair winds from all on Shelena,
Phil


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