Day 2!

Woke in A Coruna this morning due to a 24 hour delay for the race start on account of bad weather. After the usual baked breakfast the crew was given some shore leave, which involved quests for ice cream, post cards, post offices, McDonalds' and general shopping for essential supplies. (Editor – they mean chocolate!) Later on before lunch, some of the crew got together to sing heartfelt renditions of classics such as 'Wonderwall' 'Don't stop me now' and 'Dani California' with instrumental input from guitars and a Spongebob Squarepants ukulele, brought by Jack Moss. (In Jack's defence he claims his sister bought it.)

After the tomato soup and cheese sandwiches lunch, we were approached by a representative of the Tall Ships 2012 Olympic Games. This really got the day going. The crews from 'Jolie Brise', 'Thermopylae Clipper' and 'John Laing' participated, along with, of course, the loudest and best - Rona II. Crews were taken to the local beach, where they were lined up in height order, numbered and grouped. Each represented a country and were pitted against each other in trials of strength, agility, speed and putting up with the beach's 'sand', upon which Ed eviscerated his knees.

The games involved 3-legged-egg-and-spoon-racing, knot tying races and a tug-o-war. After tallied scores, the results were:

1st Australia: Capt. Ed, Julian and Sam

2nd Kenya: Tom, Isti and Jack Ball

3rd Japan: Joe, Alex and Freddie

4th Germany: Capt. Ben, Will, George and Lewis

5th Canada: Capt. Matt, Nick and Jack Moss

After the games, team photos were taken, immortalising the competition, sportsmanship and fun-loving spirit of the Tall Ships Race. (Editor – a career in politics awaits this author...!) That was the point when all the participants took to the ocean to fight against the waves, failing and getting pushed back to the shore. This was repeated for the next half hour. Sadly, by this point time, as well as the waves, was upon us, and the crews made their way back for dinner and cake prepared by White watch. (Ed – yay, cake!)

Quotes of the day:

Skipper: "&%£$*~@ !%?=#$ *&%£@~ satellite electronics!"

George: "Dutchland, Dutchland, come on Dutchland!"

Will: "For the Motherland!"