We are reluctantly reaching the end of voyage LN 760. We have braved
Atlantic rollers - and returned to groaningly heavy dinner tables, met
friends old and new in the sunshine, and learnt more about sailing a tall
ship.
Day 8 dawned to find AP on watch, attempting to identify unfamiliar
constellations in the clear night sky. We motored around the south-eastern
coast of Gran Canaria to an anchorage. Here, incongruously surrounded by
container ships, the hardier (or should that be fool-hardier?) members of
the crew took the opportunity to swim in the Atlantic. I was assured it was
warmer than it looked - but then, so would Filey, I suspect. Seriously, the
water temperature was around 20' , and the impromptu water polo team looked
very warm as they all - Abs and PDs alike - splashed around in the "briny".
After such exuberance, there was a lull on the ship, broken only by bodies
paddling to and from the showers. And then swimmers and non-swimmers alike
were rewarded with sun-downers served on the bridge. The braver amongst us
had a second glass! As the sun set, the fading light illuminated groups of
people sitting around the deck, undisturbed by the harbour traffic as they
enjoyed steak and salad - a great final voyage meal.