Final notes from land...

Sooo, once again it's time for a start.

This time, it is a start for a tougher and longer journey... We will be moving out of the marina at about 7:00 am tomorrow morning, once again directed by the times of high tides. The start for 4 weeks of racing is at 10:00am.

We will be escorted by a legendary boat: Joshua: this is the boat sailed by Bernard Moitessier in the first round the world solo racing in 1968, competitor to Sir Robin (Bernard Moitessier abandoned the race to keep on sailing round the world, leaving Sir Robin to become the first one to sail round the world, and the only one to finish the race back then)

There seems to be not too much wind awaiting us, once again not a dramatic story to tell about Biscay... What will mark this race (apart from luck, of course) will be full concentration and unity of the team at all times, endurance and resiliance. We are looking into several different wind and current paterns to sail through, and each may change the rankings severely. Exciting times....

 

But before sailing off to the experience, I can't help mentioning the very sipritual day we lived through yesterday. Our boat was blessed by the chief and drummers of the Mi'kmaw tribe with a smudging ceramony (Mi'kmaws are one of the American Indian tribes of Canada). Sage and special herbs were burned and thier smoke was blown over our boat, our sails and each of the crew members, with blessings for a safe journey, good winds, calm sea, and strong speed. The smudging was followed by 4 drummers chanting for us, and a Mi'kmaw dancing with the chants on the pantoon. It was a very intense and enchanting experience for all of us; and considering my past interest in the American Indian culture in my high school years, even more so for me. Finally, I have met real American Indians, and have heard their chants live. What a priviledge

Our boat sponsor Cape Breton, put even further effort into the event and organised a Michelin Star worthy dinner. They introduced their Lobster, some fine wine, and some more sea food to the crew and to contacts in La Rochell. The lobster would be worth travelling all the way to Cape Breton Island to enjoy, sooo gooood:)

 

I have added on some sites to the blog where you can follow the race, the news from the boat closer. And also added the link to the news and pictures about the smudging, for your view:)

 

 

Personal notes from today: I was up the mast once again for rig checking, I absolutely love it up there:) And more preparation to the boat, and for the crew as well. Feeling very ready to start sailing tomorrow, and actually looking forward to it!

 

Keep an eye on me, and wish me all the best luck, because I'll need it!

Cheers

Hande