It is 45 minutes until our start and there is time for a quick update. We’ve been sent off from the dock with a marching band, a first for us.

Our neighbors are making ready to depart, removing the umbilical cord to the power grid being the last step.

Not everyone believes the light air forecast. Note the ear patch.

The charter party on Steinlager have arrived. They do not look like sailing rock stars.

Battle flags are flying, this one on a friendly Russian boat.

A few last minute calls (“honey, I might be late getting back”).

These folks look like they have heard the weather update. Light, light, and light, until half way across.

The crew of this shiny Oyster are getting the morning dew dried off, an important step before heading to sea.

We and the other large yachts are leaving early.

Anchors are being removed and stowed.

The best thing about this year’s cruise – new friends. These cruisers are arriving from Francesa as the ARC fleet departs.

Finally, the committee boat. We’ll report more later today before we leave the island cell coverage.