It was very exciting for us all, getting to know a new boat. Now, I wouldn't like you to think that the Jaguars we'd sailed on the previous 2 flotillas, were out of favour with us - not at all! We still love them, and would have had another if we'd had the choice, but we didn't. There weren't any on the route we were taking this time. As a result, we'd chosen the rather bigger Beneteau 32 and it was certainly an impressive boat as you will soon see.
As we tried out all the equipment on the boat, prior to setting out into the big blue sea, we gathered at the stern for the important ceremony of raising the bear flag.
It immediately began to flutter well and, seeing it flying, brought a lump to our throats. It is becoming a very well travelled flag and still looks good, despite having been out in all weathers.
Another important task, was to kit ourselves out with safety harnesses and lines. It is important to get the fit right and we are of course 3 very different sized bears. They must have known we were coming, as we all quickly found a perfect fit, and tested clipping on to a solid part of the boat. We were safe and secure and ready for anything.
I was very excited, but a little apprehensive about sailing a boat with a wheel, as I am very much a tiller bear, and this was the first time I had sailed a boat with a wheel. I made sure to get some practise in ...
It was very different to a tiller and took some getting used to. For the first couple of days, I steered what must have looked like quite a drunken course, as I instinctively turned the wheel the opposite way to the course I wanted to take, only to have to quickly spin it to the other side as I remembered boat wheels work like car steering wheels.
While I was getting used to the wheel, George & Yorkie got some practice on the VHF radio.
They were pleased to find that our lead boat was the very same one that had been with us on our last flotilla, Loutraki. This made it easy for them to remember how to call up the lead boat with "Loutraki, Loutraki, this is Milia, Milia".
By this stage we were ready for the off and feeling full of confidence. We were going to enjoy some great sailing.
Lots of love Eddie, George & Yorkie xxx
2 comments:
Rupert, Raj. and friends were very excited when they saw the bear flag flying so well, and said what a good photograph someone had taken of you in your harnesses. We guess the weather was sunny and warm and good for photography.
We all look forward to hearing more about the whole adventure.
Yes, the bear flag is a very fine sight! Glad you soon got the hang of the new kit - you're a natural we reckon
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