Yacht Aditi
Aditi

Year: 2013

Paul and Claire

Day 3 Wind?

Cruising

Morning of Day 3. Wind overnight left the rig banging in the swell as the breeze fell below 8 knots. Started motoring. Wind now 4 knots SSE and grib files show no wind/headwinds until at least Dec 1st, about 5 days time, so we are now on course to Mindelo to wait for a change in weather. Current ETA under sail would be just under 40 days not factoring in the expected headwinds. Expect to see a large number of ARC boats at anchor unless the outlook changes suddenly or they are secretly fitted with oars. An ARC Office guide

Paul and Claire

The Start, Days 1 & 2 at Sea

Cruising

We let the lines go in relatively warm sunshine and headed out from the now almost clear wall from which the race boats and large yachts had all left. The wall was packed with spectators and well wishers. We were in no particular hurry to mix it up at the front so we moved at our own pace. We fell in nose-to-tail as we were funnelled toward the marina exit, creeping along and often just holding position, the band played, the fuel pontoon rocked, and we held our place inthe procession. By the time we were through the emotionally charged

Paul and Claire

Weary Traveller

Cruising

Our traveller is being filled in by a welder as it is 50% worn through by the mainsheet shackle. It was a two day job to remove and so far a 1 day job to fit. Sourcing an M12 countersunk bolt took a couple of days. And of course I borrowed an impact driver which had the only bit of it’s kind in Europe; a drag bar socket made for American jeeps. Then I find the poor guy who lent it to me is paid crew and he had to tell the owner…  

Paul and Claire

Fully Qualified!

Cruising

So we qualified for entry to the ARC by arriving in Las Palmas on our own keel. We have now passed the Safety Inspection so we are cleared to go. To aid inspection everything is laid out for scrutineering and the emergency steering has to be put in place. We were picked up on a couple of points mainly in relation to MOB throwing lines and extras for our lifesling. Having dealt with the observations we are good to go.

Paul and Claire

ARC Welcome Party

Cruising

Fantastic Party with the ARC Welcome Party combined with the ARC Plus Cape Verdes Farewell Party. Great nightclub and music. And what a show from a professional troupe that do a Carnival/Mardi Gras stage show. We have waited 30 years (ok maybe more!) to meet the Pink Panther and it’s a bloke in a silver thong; not so sure we want to see any more of Inspector Clouseau.

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