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Scarlet Oyster - Day 4 Scarlet ARC 2015, Rhumb line to the Rum!



Friday. Mid Atlantic.

And its a big welcome to all our readers. Its been a bit full on for me
since flying out to Las Palmas so here goes with my first blog. This is the
thirtieth ARC as every winter ship loads of Yachties head south to blue
skies, Parties, fireworks and Trade Winds.

Normally by now Jack Frost has rapped his icy knuckles on the window panes
and snow mantles the Highlands. As a result of global warming this has been
the hottest November in living memory. Property spivs are marketing small
vineyards for development in the Antartic.

We are a cosmopolitan crew. A big crew. Plenty of time in a deck chair for
little old me. Reading a book. Meanwhile Vitaly, our Russo Canadian
singlehandledly sends sails flying up the mast pulled in equally powerfully
by our Croatian, Dinko. Mario from Venlo is a tower of strength. Another big
friendly giant he misses his wife and daughters but his fellow countryman
Michael is brilliant company particularly during those long night watches.

Mark is very cool, with his own " Team Burton, Sailing Legend " tee shirt.
He also has a pet dinosaur, Dino who wowed the crowds in Las Palmas and
watches our every move on deck. He cooks up a regular storm in the galley,
so because we are not having to work very hard, we have all put on weight.

Apart from Ross, of course, who is a very svelte 16 stones. Sometimes Ross
can be a bit hyperactive. But we just took his batteries out and he accepted
a bet he could chill out for the whole race.

Our Bowman, Justin is also British, when its raining and waves are breaking
over the fordeck, we are rocking and rolling, he looks very debonair. As
waves pour down his neck he shoots me a wry smile !

Tijs is a busy Belgian, he loves all the jobs. We have some seriously large
kites on board and Tijs would like to fly them 2 at a time. I have to fight
him and Michael and Dinko for quality time on the helm but always manage to
hand over to him just when things get tricky. Well apart from my broach
which soaked everyone, of course.

Leaving the best til last there is Charlotte. She throws herself into
everything with high energy and skill. She is super compoany and pretends
not to notice when we step out of line. Ross of course is famous for the
good natured cameraderie he encourages on board and we are having a ball.

Al



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