Day -5
Woke up this morning very early in Cape Town. Our first day of preparation is due to start 1300 at the wharf on Hotice.
Thought I would head to the gym for a spinning class. Our instructor Talia was in enthusiastic form and was keen to work off the Christmas pudding.
Back to Shauns flat and on to the first chore of the day after a healthy breakfast of oats.
I now have some expensive Italian sailing gloves – Jean-Marie will be happy as the fit well with his designer Italian gear.
On the way to the V & A for sailing shoes. Easily done as Croc now come out with a waterproof sailing shoe and did not take long to decide.
Then on to moorings and the first in life view of Hotice our home to be in the not so distant future. My first impressions were some what obscured by the yachts lying along side. Maserati one of the favourites was moored along side us.
Clambering aboard Hotice I noticed that she had very spacious wheel house and I was ushered into the sitting area by the skipper Mark. My first impressions of Mark were positive. He has reassuring and calm presence that you would expect of a sea fairer of over 100000 NM. Kevin and Mike were already seated. While we waited for Jean to join us, Kevin showed us our kit that he had made up for our trip. Two shirts and Cap that were embroider with the “Cape to Rio” and the Imagine logos. I was impressed with the quality.
The briefing was informal but gave us a overview of what was expected and how everything would work on the trip. We then had quick tour below and decided on the sleeping arrangements. I have one of the fore cabins based on the fact that I have an Apnea machine and would need to use it while sleeping. A bit lucky I would say. Kevin due to his height got the other fore deck cabin. The skipper has a hammock in mid ships with Shaun under him, while Mike, Warrick and Jean have the aft deck cabin which had been partitioned into 3 sleeping lockers. The Aft deck is more stable when compared to the fore deck where rough seas could bring on some motion sickness.
Mark and Jean head to the RCYC for the 1st briefing and Shaun and myself headed back to the flat. Tomorrow is another day and will begin with the provisioning. It has started..