Dave’s new job as first-mate on the Victoria Del Mar meant we also got to help the crew for the last week before it left for the charter season in the Mediterranean. It was fascinating seeing what is involved with the white boats. The contractors appear to be just as unreliable as in the housing industry, and everyone was desperately trying to get their carpets/marble floors, radar or de-sal systems fixed, polished or serviced in time for the sail date.
Most boats go across on one of the Dockwise vessels; massive float-on / float-off ships that can carry several boats at once. It costs about $300,000 per trip but saves time and the wear & tear of an Atlantic crossing. Dave was on board for the whole trip and then the rest of the crew flew out to Palma to meet him at the other end. Adrienne left for PA shortly after and now that Andy has passed his exams, we have moved into a new apartment near Las Olas that has a nice garden and deck. Our landlady (originally from Bristol, would you believe?) has a fantastic dog that we also get to borrow most days. She is an Alaskan Malamute and very, very cute.
Her double coat has been shaved off to help her deal with the heat - which makes her fuzzy ears look even bigger.
… wally-wingnut!
