Two days to go until the starting gun fires. There is a definite sense of anticipation in the air. The docks are buzzing, the crews walking briskly, sails are being run up, sheets led, and there is a never ending parade of supplies marching by our stern.

Master wall painter, Charles Scones, is hard at work finishing a private commission.

Our neighbors on both sides are familiarizing their crews with the rigs.

Most of the boats have lots of strings to pull, which must be fun for a new crew at night in a squall.

The big Swan is loading lots of sails.

And a few boats are going out for a trial sail.

Linda attended a lecture by a sailor pharmacist, picked up some pointers, and purchased the suggested meds at a local pharmacy sans prescriptions. Very convenient.

We have had four sets of photographers and three journalists aboard today. And JImmy Cornell, the progenitor of the ARC and Noonsight.com came by for a brief visit. We have corresponded for 30 years and this is  our first meeting.

Steinlager’s crew is cleaning their bottom. Our props are already polished. It will be interesting to see how they do.Ketches can  be very quick, but are tricky to sail correctly.

Some folks are polishing.

Others are chilling in the shade.

There are still demonstrations going on, this one is a simulated helicopter rescue.

The cruisers anchored nearby are getting ready to move on too. Note the cool dory-like dink.

Handicaps are posted. Moonshadow, sandwiched above, 1.5% handicap from the tall rigged Oysters and the Swan 66s owe her about five hours.

Of course we all think this is ridiculous considering her age and minuscule rig. But then it is a backhanded compliment.

The weather looks to be light after leaving for a few days, then the trades should come in, and surfing will commence. If the big Swan, Steinlager, and the Shipman 80 are properly sailed it will be interesting to see if we can hold them off.

Tomorrow we check out, run the jackstays, put on a bit of water, and secure the basement lashings. There is a skippers meeting at 1200. Then we (hopefully) have the afternoon off for some sightseeing.

Time to go to the final cocktail party. The Charles Scones’ masterpiece is above. His commissioners are well pleased.