Time: 20:00 local time, 20th July 2009
With Red watch as mother watch today we cooked up the breakfast of the day, pork burgers at 72% meat to get the day off to a cracking start. After washing up it was the final shower for about 3 weeks and hosing down the deck to get Rona looking the part.
Following the advertisement for an Internal Directorship Appointment, today saw the start of a rigorous and extensive competency and assessment based interviews. This was for the appointment of the Director of Renewable Resources and his two Deputies.
The Directorship post carries a reward package commensurate with that of a Watch Officer and a wide range of challenging objectives and accountabilities to ensure the effective management and supervision of Rona 2's recyclable and renewable materials. After shortlisting and a round of second interviews Ben Davies was appointed Director and Julian Pearce and Luke Almond Deputies. We wish them every success in their exciting and demanding roles in an ever changing environment.
Just before departing Halifax we received a welcome visit from the Red Bull girls and their multitude of cans which were enthusiastically received and made for a great photo opportunity.
We let slip around 1145 into the parade of sail giving three cheers to Halifax followed by mechanical and Mexican waves, pink sparkly cowboy hats included. This included sailing close to the harbour to give the crowds a good show.
After a long parade of sail we preceded out to the start line where Class A, the big square riggers, started at 1700, which was an amazing sight. Then at 1730 came Class D, including ships matched with Rona. Spinnaker up, Rona came tanking across the line as the horn blew and was first in class to begin. The boat and crew are now in full racing mode cruising at 8-9 knots enjoying steady westerlys.
Dinner of beef hash, perfectly browned in the oven, was followed by the delights of canned pinaple and custard. Yum! We're all happy to be sailing and in good spirits. The sun has just set over our main competitor, Peter Von Danzig who is just slightly behind us and that is where we hope they will stay!
Best wishes skipper and crew.
As a spectator at dockside, I was very impressed with the esprit de corps of the crew. Lots of good fun and teasing with the crowd who came out to say "Good-bye", and it was probably Ben Davis (light blue cap) I saw collecting the quickly empied cans of Red Bull. My husband was a volunteer here in Halifax; however, I did not get down to the harbour front until Monday. Thanks for the "Three cheers for Halifax" and back at you, Rona 2!
ReplyDeleteBarbara Davison