Well here we are berthed alongside the Muelle de Santa Catalina, Las Palmas in Gran Canaria, enjoying a very welcome 18C.
Work has finally stopped for our band of maintainers, some are heading for the airport, others for a wander round the islands and others are settling in ready for TNS240 to begin. As the day progressed, so the flights came in and the new voyage crew made their way up the gangway, handed over their passports, signed on and found their bunks and fellow crew.
Once everyone had arrived, Captain John Etheridge welcomed everyone on board the Tenacious and told of the plans for the coming voyage. Introductions were made to the permanent crew members too, namely: Chris the Mate, John the 2nd Mate, David the Bosun and Matt the supernumerary officer; Peter the Chief Engineer with Ed the 2nd engineer; to complete the crew introductions - Graham the Cook with his able assistant Rosie; Rachel the Medical Purser and the Bosun’s mates Melinda and Adam.
Once all the introductions were complete, the safety briefings began ensuring that everyone knew what to do in an emergency. Whilst this was underway, the galley team were busy putting together a splendid selection of salads and traditional Canarian fare of meats and cheeses, which we ate under the starlit sky - although if we are honest, it became a little cooler as the sun went down! But hey, it beats the tales of frosts, icy roads and ‘minus’ degrees rumoured to be at home just now!! Then Chris the mate announced ‘shore leave’ for the new crew and so an evening of exploring locally or just taking advantage of the chance to settle in and meet new friends….or a welcome early night for some who had started very early this morning!
Rachel MP