JOB LIST

As usual the job list is never ending. Repaired the boom outhaul, Code0 to sailmaker to repair the blown out top, repair and replace port navlight, install a battery bank cross over, buy extra large fenders for Barra anchoring, check ground tackles, protective tape on sails, stow gear, have drinks with everyone, make new friends, again to the chandler. It is good that there will come an end to this at the starting line of the race.

DARTMOUTH FIRE

After having lunch in the Green Dragon, the pub owned by the famous Ostar veteran Peter Crowter, we walked back to Dartmouth and found out that there was a big fire in the towncentre. A number of the oldest buildings of Dartmout completely burned down, including the Thai restaurant where we had dinner the night before. We must have been one of the last customers. There were no personal injuries, but this surely is a big loss for Dartmouth.

READY TO GO

Last few days we have been very busy to get everything ready for the race. We did not pass all safety test in one go, because the anchor chain was not attached to the anchor, and because we did not have an independent power source for the backup navigation lights. We fixed all that now, and we just passed the test today, so we are ready now.

Today we will leave Dartmouth and go around start point to Plymouth. Lots of small jobs were done in Dartmouth. In Plymouth we hope to find a rigger to look at the mainsail outhoal that was broken. The weather looks fine. Easy going before the race will start next week.

after a nice cruize with a wild mixture of conditions we are going into dartmouth now. Nice northerly and plenty of sunshine. All is well on b oard of hoj.

NEW RACING OUTFIT FOR ROUND BRITAIN

FINAL PREPARATIONS

This weekend we managed to get the NKE system back into full operation. For unknown reasons the windinstruments died, which means that the autopilot cannot function in apparent wind mode or true wind mode, no polars, no cross over charts. The new Dutch service team of NKE had a spare unit on stock and they sent it over straight away. Today we mounted the unit and it worked straight away. Another succes was the installation of an origo cooker. Harry insisted on a proper cooker for the Round Britain, and not just the Jetboil or Mini Galley, which normally is good enough for me. The unit fits perfectly without any need for improvisatoin. Almost a dissappointment for a jazz musician, but very welcome in our case.

We will leave for Plymouth by the end of next weekend. Ready to go!