I was just about to write "Last night in twisted river". That's the next to the last John Irving's novel. A very good one I think...
Nothing about sailing in this book but the last night it refers to is the beginning of a life time adventure. So is crossing the ARC+ starting line.
We did in 2011 but it is still as if it was the first time and I wonder if all people starting for a long crossing feel the same, a little bit anxious about what is going to happen.
The difference between our start and the one in the novel is that "we know it is a start", we worked long days and hours to get ready, whereas in the novel it is only after years that the "start" reveals itself. Well, to keep it short, we are as ready as one can be and if there are (as always) a few things to do all the important ones are done and we can realistically consider all the "boxes are ticked". If we missed some, then we will discover it later.
No ARC+ event this evening and a good night of sleep should help. It is raining now (sunny Canary Islands...) but it should be OK tomorrow with a nice NNE wind pushing us, Hanami II, Michel, Christian and I toward Mindelo where Marie, our forth team member will join.
All the best to all the boats that will leave with us tomorrow, let the gods of the winds and the seas give them a safe and enjoyable crossing AND thank you to all the Yellow-Shirts ARC+ team members for the outstanding organization of the event.
Marc, Christian and Michel on Hanami II