Friends in Portosin

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Aleria's Irish flag clearly visible in the marina

We wanted to stop by to say goodbye temporarily to Carmella and Carmen at the RCN in Portosin. We heard in the meantime that RCC was going to be coming there for a stopover on a cruise in company. Peter Hayden, ICC and OCC, helped them organize it. At the last instant, we heard that Peter Whatley, OCC & RCC, was going to be in the day we were heading in. I worked closely with Peter when he was VC for OCC and really enjoyed it. It would be nice to see him again and the new Van de Stadt exploration vessel her had built.



When we arrived, we saw that the visitor's dock was full and Peter Whatley's boat was one of those tied up there. He was asked to move and we were given the space - our usual one - on the hammerhead. I told hime I outrank him now!!!! We were given many hands to help tie up and realized that all around us were OCC and RCC burgees. It turned out that 12 of the boats in the harbour were OCC vessels, almost all of them RCC as well. We were invited to join the RCC BBQ that night, which was a lovely way to meet all the RCC and OCC members as well.

In the morning we were invited aboard for tea and coffee and given a tour of Henry. Henry is Peter's son William's middle name and his boats have always been called Henry. What a well thought out and beautifully constructed vessel. It's an expedition vessel, a van de Stadt like Hawk, outfitted for high latitudes and everything else. They are heading to the Med and the Caribbean first, then onwards. The hull was built in Poland, Gdansk, and the rest was fitted in England. Peter did all the electrical and electronic work himself and it is meticulously executed. It was great to see Peter and Wendy and to meet Will and his friend Alex as well as all the RCC and OCC folks. Galicia is a happening place. We wish Henry and crew a fabulous adventure.

RCC BBQ event

Peter Whatley and Alex

Peter giving a tour of  s/y Henry

William and Alex on bow while Peter and Alex observe

Expedition yacht Henry. Impressive! 




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