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Weirkraken - 28/11



Force Ten from Las Palmas - Day 1

We finally left the Harbour of Las Palmas on Monday 24th November - one day late because of atrocious weather. During our preparation days, Liz had a thorough sort out of the boat and thew out such vital items as an Iron and china Dinner service much to Rupert's horror. Liz and Anne then spent about 7 hours in the dreaded Carrefours and as a result Weir Kracken was left listing 10 degrees to port much to the discomfort of the Norwegian boat moored next door who spent Saturday night propping us up in a storm. Captain Rupert in his enthusiasm fell off his seat and twisted his ankle as we were preparing to cast off. We crossed the start line at a quarter to one and had a bit of a stand off with a large green boat (you know who you are). Shortly after the weather whipped up to Force 10, with 45 knots of wind and Weir Kracken was making 13 Knots. We left everyone behind and were practically opening the champagne, when the wind dropped and we were virtually becalmed for the next four hours. This provided the perfect opportunity for Anne to cut Liz's hair. We are considering a separate blog dedicated to Liz's follicles. Archie tried to fish for his supper but claimed "one got away". We can now report that we are happily cruising along at 10 knots hugging the Rhumb line with Magnus at the helm sipping his Rum. The eXLNTent crew will shortly be enjoying a supper of steaks under the stars.

Huge Disappointment - Day 2

"Steaks under the Stars" turned out to be uncooked potatoes and Broccoli and a tin of Corned Beef as the gas ran out and we could not change the cylinder due to the ferocious storm which continued throughout the night. Since the Rota had not yet been arranged we all sat up admiring the stars and clinging on for dear life. As we still have fellow competitors in sight the XLNT crew are getting quite competitive and decided to put the Genecca up, which speeded us up, if at rather an acute angle. Mutiny was narrowly avoided when it was decided to keep it up at night which caused Andy to be turfed out of his bunk and to spend the rest of the night on the floor. Sadly Andy has picked up the Swedish supre-bug imported by Magnus and is being dosed up with.

I told you so - Day 3

Much of the day was spent staying upright and improving our core whilst strong winds prevailed. We are averaging 8/10 knots and have surged ahead to 3rd postion in our class. We decided to chase a boat on the horizon a task which took most of the day with Magnus at the helm steering with grim viking determination. Sadly when we caught him up we discovered that he had rigging problems which somewhat took the wind out of our sails. After a lively discussion where Andy the unwell and grumpy cabin boy wanted the Genecca taken taken down for the night as its sheet was fraying he was overuled by Captain Rupert and first mate Magnus. Just after the first watch as darkness was falling DISASTER STRUCK. There was a thud and upon investigation Captain Rupert discovered his torn Genecca trailing in the sea. It was all hands on deck with the exception of Grumpy Cabin Boy whose was blissfully unaware that his dire warnings had come true. The night was saved by Second Mates Anne and Liz who ably hauled miles of Genneca out of the ocean (with a tiny bit of help from Messrs Rupert, Magnus and Archie) and sat on it until the boys could untangle the ropes and stuff the disressed sail into the Locker.

Dolphins - Day 4


The first day that we had a bit of sun was enlivened by shouts of Dolphin from Second Mate Anne. A huge pod of at least 50 Dolphins played and jumped around the boat entertaining the crew of XLNT for at least half an hour and exercising their photographic skills and vocal cords. The sea was not deemed calm enough to hoist first mate Archie up the mast to try and dislodge the remains of the Genneca. The day ended on a less apertising note when Marco Pierre Anne had the night off and the crew sat down to an assortment of Fray Bentos pies evoking the comment from Captain Rupert that they could do with less Fray and more Bentos. We can report that Grumpy Cabin Boy Andy is beginning to recover.

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