5...4...3...2...1

This time tomorrow I will be trying to write the blog on a rocking and rolling boat. Weather guru Chris Tibbs has predicted 15-20 knots of wind for the start increasing to 30 in the acceleration zone down the side of the island. This will be a great start for the fleet and please the racing division no end. It also means that we won't be using the spinnaker for the start on Northern Child! Due to arrival times our first sailing time together will come approx 3 hours before the start.

We finished our briefing sessions yesterday and today was put aside to shop for the last minute items we may have missed or couldn't do without like chocolate or stugeron!

The past week has been a great mix of parties and preparation but there's no mistaking the quiet atmosphere as sailors prepare for an early night. The racing division starts at 12.40 with the main cruising division heading over the start line at 13.00. Our skipper Julian talked us through his plans for the start and a stategy for the crossing but unfortunately we are sworn to secrecy so I can't repeat any of it here for fear the other boats in our division are scouring the internet as I write...

I'm ready for my last full night's sleep in a few weeks...

tomorrow brings a great adventure...

Steve