This could be Rotterdam... or Anywhere!

The idea of having the boat pre-delivered to Scheveningen, ready to race was a delightful one.... All we needed to do was stroll up to the boat after a carefree plane/train or ferry to the Netherlands. We could then move the boat to the marina and chill out on the beanbag enjoying the sun and the coffee while waiting for the start....

Of course it didn’t work like that... What we actually encountered was a hike to ferry, carrying our kit for the two weeks, plus our new shiny Henri Lloyd gear, in addition to an anchor, a bundle of battens that were 3 metres in length. Each loaded up like a pack horse we stumbled, staggered and strutted uphill to the ferry.. Manoeuvring the battens at a variety of angles to get them into lifts, cars, around bends, avoiding ceilings and peoples’ eyes and children.

After enjoying a few minutes (hours) of “pet cam” on the TV in our cabin, it was a quick night cap and bed. On arrival to Holland, the train seemed like a simple idea.... the tram after that would be potentially more difficult... particularly when you get on the correct one, mistake it as the incorrect one, transfer to the incorrect tram and realise your mistake.... comedy on a usual day, unamusing when carrying 30Kg of kit each in the pouring rain, and trying to not maim particularly bemused Dutchies. Once we had gotten to “ScheveningenStrande” it was with particular delight that we realised the harbour was still a 2km hike along the beach...  A passing horse and carriage was tempting, to increase the range of transport modes one pair of Brits could use in one day.

Finally making the Haven by means of taxi, it was a small matter of breaking into Fort Knox (electric gates, electic fences and barbed wire) and reuniting ourselves with the Figaro... a quick shimmy to Scheveningen Marina (much nicer than the Fishing Haven with a strong Eau de Rotinfish) and it was time to complete the short jobs list, shop, nap, shower and eat.

Right now we are finally chilling out in the cockpit on the beanbag, awaiting the arrival of our tracker... the Race is looking pretty light and variable so the leg is going to be a tactical one... A last minute weather check tomorrow morning will help finalise our strategy... Right now, its the rest of this glass of wine and bed!!

Katie and Matt.....