Another busy couple of days on Barracuda.

On Thursday we had a day of short seminars, on the subjects of 'Handling Emergencies'. 'Provisioning', 'Rigging', 'Downwind Sailing Techniques' and 'Routes and Weather'. Still a few more to come next week.

We have also had our rigging checked; Jerry the Rigger comes out to Las Palmas from Portsmouth for the month before the ARC start, gives a couple of great seminars for the assembled crews and spends the rest of the time climbing masts and checking rigging. It was the most detailed inspection we have ever had. No problems found on Barracuda, thankfully, but lots of useful advice and suggestions to keep us busy. We've also been having our water-maker serviced - more on that subject next week.

On a less nautical note, though, the ARC sponsors a re-forestation organisation here in Gran Canaria, so yesterday a bus-load of volunteers went up into the hills to plant indigenous trees. In total we managed 130 tree plantings between us (of which around 14 were by the crew of Barracuda) - coming home hot and dusty, in time for yet another social evening of a) drinks for Cruising Association members, hosted by another boat and then b) a party with live music at a nearby club, hosted by the local chandlery, Rolnautic. All were somewhat jaded this morning....

And then we had another outing this afternoon, this time to a small bodega (La Higuera Mayor Bodega) high up in the interior. We were just a small group of twelve people, and were shown round the vineyards by the owner, Luis, and then treated to a tasting of his wines in the old cowshed, accompanied by fabulous local cheeses. And yes, we did all leave with a bottle or two, as well as the cheese.