Leg 3: Marblehead, July 6 2009

July 6, 2009

Monday, the beginning of week 4. Marblehead was so far proving to be an extremely pleasant two day retreat and a well deserved rest for the crew. The day kicked off with a breakfast bursting with fresh ingredients as the crew tucked into Nova watches egg and bacon sandwiches as well as a variety of cereals and fresh milk to start with. After breakfast a routine clean up of down below, up above, and generally anywhere that was dirty or that needed to be kept in ship shape ensued. The crew got all of this underway immediately as Cal Gridleys friend Jason provided a nice reminder that we were in fact in the neighborhood of Mr. G and that we could all look forward to being treated for food and fun at his house later that day.

En route the crew found time to admire a small $120 baby cannon and pictured how nice it would be to be able to sail into Boston with a fully working broadside in action. Dreams were quickly quelled however as Skipper unfortunately had his sensible hat on that day and thought otherwise.

Walking on we soon found ourselves in the garden/yard of the kind and welcoming Gill and David Gridley. There was food in the masses and all shapes of balls that were soon being played with by some of the more energetic of the crew. Team America’s Stuart ‘McLovin’ Jackson wasted no time in emerging himself into the gaming underworld of Cals basement and he was in full ‘ass whoopin’ mode when it came to Guitar Hero. Those who had been put in their place by the lightning speed fingers of McLovin on the guitar rallied together and decided to head over to the nearby field for a game of American Football. Patchy rules were established and a very enjoyable game was played in the setting sun of Marblehead.

Once back at Cals house eyes quickly widened as they caught sight of what was for dessert. Four different flavours of ice cream, chocolate chip cookies, chocolate fudge brownies, giant M&Ms, Smarties and whipped cream. Pudding was made that extra bit sweeter with the arrival of the photo to beat all photos on Chris Nelsons laptop. If you haven’t seen it already words cannot do this masterpiece justice; Rona II in full sail, Team America on deck, and a big helicopter up above. After the crew had awed over the photo people started to assemble into the garden as the day was drawing to a close. Almost everyone made it into the garden bar one or two individuals. Firstly Watch Leader Alistair Findlay managed to unhinge the mosquito net door that led from the lounge to the garden through a lack of vision in the dimming light. What a muppet eh? Unfortunately minutes later and the door was wiped clean off the frame and on the floor as I myself followed my Watch Leaders example and marched on through. Laughs were increased as apparently a sign was put up to warn people about the partially invisible door. I’ll admit I saw nothing.

After thanking the Gridleys for what was an extremely pleasant and relaxing day the crew headed back to Rona where it was an early night in preparation for sailing to Boston tomorrow.

Joel Falken-Smith, Crew, Team America