9 June 2008
Hilary's Blog - 9 June 2008
Today’s weather was supposed to be somewhat inclement, to say the least. Instead we have a beautiful day with light airs, sunshine and, in short, everything an Artemis 20 sailor could wish for. Ah well…
On Saturday night the Royal Cinque Ports Yacht Club generously let us take over the whole building for a party. It would have been everyone’s last chance to say goodbye to their family. It turned out to be a useful opportunity to thank some of our sponsors in person and everyone in Dover Marina and Dover Yacht Company for all they have done over the last few months. It was also a chance to publicly thank our Project Director, Tony Leppard, for all the 18 hour days he has put in on our behalf, supported by his wife Vanessa. We simply wouldn’t be where we are now without him and, with his son Stuart on the team as well. I’m sure that it has taken over most of their house as well as their lives.
The whole crew is feeling refreshed after a 36 hour break in work, which was certainly needed and definitely deserved! It’s amazing what a couple of nights in a real bed can do for a group of tired sailors. We will soon have to toughen up, though.
Having moved from UKSA, where everything from hot water too hot food is provided on tap, we thought that Dover was going to prove more uncomfortable and much less convenient. We seem to have struck gold, however, as we have found a campsite called Hawthorn Farm not more than 10 minutes’ drive from the marina. Barry Walker, the owner, is a fellow sailor and has been only too keen to help us out for the week. The two vans are now parked in a beautiful setting with power and water on tap. This will be our first night cooking for ourselves and Paul has bravely volunteered to be the first to do both the shopping and the cooking. In fact, it’s due to be ready any minute, so I had better sign off.
Page last updated on 22 June 2008 at 17:15