To warm up for the global challenge and to get to know the crews... some pics!

See you within 2 weeks.

Gill

With the spin up ...

Chasing the F18.

On what day will you two be arriving at Zandvoort Gill ?

I'm told a few others will already be out and test sailing their boats on thursday and friday. I expect the Vipers to be test sailed earlier that week as well.

Of course officially everything starts on friday and I'll join the club no sooner then wednesday because of an exam I have on tuesday.

Wouter

how many boats are going to be there?

Hi Wouter,

We will arrive on Saturday (maybe Friday but then we will have to sleep in the car and I don't know if that is possible in Zandvoort).

Now I start to think about it, I think we will take the risk sleeping in the car and sail the Saturday.

Who are you sailing with Wouter?

Regards,
Gill

We're ready...

See you on Saturday!

Paul

Now we're getting warmed up!

Folks,
I'm currently boatless but going anyway.
Digital SLR, Video Camera and Laptop in tow.
I hope to record as much of the event as possible and if I can find internet access I'll send pics and reports back for the ones who can't make it.

So if there any special requests for pics please let me know and I will make sure I have it covered.

I will be arriving Wednesday morning the 8th. As it turns out I will be coming in on the same plane as the builder of the Aussie Blade and will probably help out getting that boat assembled first up.

From then on I'll seek out all the crews and take the most unflattering photos imaginable to post. So if you see me coming I would suggest hiding as a good tactic . Still I will get you when you least expect it.

Looking forward to a good fun time.

Regards,
Phill

Pics of each boat and the setup would be good to see. Who has what set up and why.

And launching thru the surf if it's windy - it will be worth taking pics.

I'm singlehanding this season.

Wouter

I have a request Phill:
Can you take pictures of the T shirts, if possible all the art work. <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

Yes please. And someone please take some pictures of Phill!

I personally know Phill and the last thing you would want is to take a photo of him
The saying I would use:He's got a good head for the internet
Sorry Phill
Regards Richard

Hey Richard,

Why do you think I voluntered to take the pictures.

Regards,
Phill

the sponser (aka the wife) has just commented that i'm NO oil painting either

Hey Richard,
Can't believe you needed Deanne to point that out.

Do you feel like a trip to Zandvoort.

It's goin' to be a hell of a party.

Regards,
Phill

Yesterday we made the first preparations for the event. We decorated the bouys with the sponsor banners and gave our racing equipment another check. Today we'll have a club race to test everything. Sponsor flags are also flying high in our flagpoles and the F16 sailors are tweaking the last bits on their boats.

But more importantly we are all on our knees praying that the current weather pattern stays. Alot of sun shine, force 4 winds and relatively flat water. We had been without that for 4 months !

I say things are heating up !

Wouter

Wouter,
Just in case the current weather pattern doesn't hold.
How's your Rum supply?
You haven't moved have you?

Regards,
Phill

My booze collection has significantly decreased over time.

Pretty much friends have gotten families with little children and well ... those were the days.

But I think we can find you some rum somewhere.

I haven't moved either, but I'm not too sure that that is a good thing.

By this time in my life I should have owned a mansion, with a sports car in the garage, a boat on the dock and matching hotties on the deck.

But fool that I was I went for intelligence and character. Now I go neither !

Wouter