Jul 31, 2005 – 0655hrs UTC │Lymington

0655hrs 31 Jul 2005 UTC Lymington

6 days to the briefing and then, in almost exactly a week from now, we will be leaving our mooring in CowesSeaport town on the Isle of Wight (UK). A home for international yacht racing. to go to the start gate with trisailA tiny storm sail that is set on the mast instead of the mainsail. Full explanation here and storm jibA very small jib, usually made from bright orange material, used in storm conditions. set and sail number in the starboard lifelines.  Our start is at 1100 bst, so 2000 Sydney time on august 7.

The SolentStrait separating the Isle of Wight from the mainland of England. this morning is windless and foggy – the breeze should kick in later. I did my rounds of the salterns again this morning, starting at 0510 – already light, low tide, water like silver plate. Yarmouth ferry, all lit up, easing down the river. Rabbits – thousands of them, curlews, lapwing, Canada geese, herons, egrets, oyster catchers, a couple of hawks hovering over the long grass near Keyhaven. And cows on the firm parts of the old salterns inside the sea wall.

We are getting ourselves medically checked tomorrow and Pete has a dental appointment – VHFVery High Frequency radio. Short range radio equipment for voice and other applications such as AISAutomatic Identification System. An automatic tracking system used on ships and by vessel traffic services (VTS) for identifying and locating vessels.. gets upgraded too and that should be it – fingers in the usual firmly crossed state. Some shopping to do and the last of our non FastnetFastnet Race: 608 mile biennial race from Cowes, UK, Isle of Wight, to the Fastnet Rock off Southern Ireland, finishing in Plymouth. Berrimilla took part in 2005 and 2009. gear to come off and into the car.

Looking at the big picture, we actually turn for home at the FastnetFastnet Race: 608 mile biennial race from Cowes, UK, Isle of Wight, to the Fastnet Rock off Southern Ireland, finishing in Plymouth. Berrimilla took part in 2005 and 2009. Rock, our furthest point from Oz  – quite fitting really. A stop in Plymouth after we finish, then back to Falmouth where we reload all the gear, do a monster shopping exercise and set off for Sydney.