Much excitement. Today is day 1 of the ARC events. We are just catching up on the idea that this is very much a race for some, but a cruise for others like us. Racing yachts have a handicap system to try and “level the playing field” for yachts of different sizes. The handicaps are published and as expected we are the slowest boat. Our length on the waterline is 8.2m. Our actual time to finish (if we can finish in the time limit) will be multiplied by 0.791 to give a corrected time. The fastest yacht is an Oyster 72. Her length on the waterline is 19.75m, more than twice ours. Her actual finish time will be multiplied by 1.167 to give a corrected time. All fairly academic for us, but I thought you might be interested. New main halyard now fitted, we got it made at home but only put it on yesterday. Jack stays that we clip onto to avoid falling off have been given new lashings. Fuel filled. We are now checking the Atlantic weather daily to try and get a feel for it. Final provisioning this weekend. We are having fun trying exotic tins. Top pick is pig cheeks in wine, which is surprisingly good. Tinned chicken a bit of a fail. First daily ARC call on VHF at 9 a.m. today. Tim almost normal (for him), still won’t be overdoing it, but doing good.