Final Preparations

Well, it's the final day before the start and we have been busy with final checks and preparations. Shopping for provisions done, sandwiches for lunch and dinner made and the water tank filled.

Ready to Hoist

Earlier today though we thought that we should do a final rig check, so the bosun's chair was attached to the Main halyard and Mark went up the mast to check the rig. It's a good job we checked! Mark found that the spinnaker halyard had been gently rubbing on a spreader and the casing had been completely worn through. It was only a matter of time before the core of the rope was compromised and the spinnaker would come fluttering (or crashing) down on the deck!

Once found (well done Mark for spotting it), the fix was pretty easy, we 'end to ended' the halyard, so that the bit that was normally in the cockpit is now at the top of the mast and the frayed part is now in the cockpit, taking no further part in the action.

Frayed halyard

In a few minutes we are off to the Royal Cornwall Yacht Club for the final Skippers briefing and then dinner.

Only one more night before the off.

Nerves are building.

Mark at the top!!