Zvone and Slobodan have returned to Switzerland, leaving us with a bittersweet feeling. We’re a touch disappointed that no one else will be joining us for the Atlantic crossing, but the excitement of the voyage itself outweighs that pang. Just a few months ago, we were overwhelmed by potential crew members, and now it’s just us. It’s a reminder that life takes unexpected turns, and we have to embrace the reality before us.
Two days separate us from departure on November 19th, 2017. The ARC rally kicks off then, and we’ll be setting sail across the Atlantic with over 200 boats by our side. The marina in Las Palmas has been bustling with activity – the training courses for ARC members filled most of the berths, making it quite the crowded scene.
Our strategy is to complete all essential boat preparations within the marina. We’ll stock up on food, clean meticulously,and ensure all electronics are in top condition. We’re anticipating roughly 20 days at sea, with the possibility of rough weather. Securing everything inside the boat will be crucial for those challenging moments.
Once we’re ready, we’ll sail back near Las Palmas and spend a final night at anchor. The next morning, we’ll don our diving gear and give the hull a good scrub, maximizing the boat’s speed. With a delicious meal under our belts, a fully charged Kindle packed with books for the journey, and everything else meticulously prepared, there’s nothing left to do but set off on our grand Atlantic adventure!
