Today started early at 5.45 am with scrambled eggs and avocados for us all and especially for Chris to fuelhim through his race.

As predicted, it was pouring with rain and even Chris came back after leaving, to get another layer of clothing.

The race started at 7 and the support crew made their way on foot to Burrard Bridge for our best vantage point to view the race.Chris was running with Shamil, so we knew he would be slowervthan his normal speedy time.

As we stood in the rain under umbrellas, Mike saved the day by fetching four hot lattes and we moved underneath the bridge, which was much drier!

We yelled and cheered and clapped the rain soaked runners, and particularly Chris and Shamil as they passed going north under the bridge, going west over the bridge and then back east back over the bridge before heading over to the waterfront to watch as they approached the finish line.

Here we met up with the rest of the Wiivvsupport team and gave them a mighty cheer as they ran past.

Then we left Mike and Beth to continue the support before negotiating the metrobus service (disrupted by the road closures for the race) back to Greer Avenue.

Having collected our bags we had a long walk to the re-routed 250 bus to West Georgia and onward to Horseshoe Bay ferry terminal. Despite all the hassle, wearrived in good time, all luggage intact, in time for a latte and a savoury croissant and The Lookout at the ferry terminal.

The ferry crossing was fine and we used the time to continue to read our guide to the Gulf islands, in preparation for the next few days!

We were met in the arrivals hall by Taya from Nanaimo charters, holding a large board with our name on it. She shepherded us into their minibus and took us along to meet Ian McPherson for our briefing, Looking at the charts and tide tables and reviewing our planned route. Ian was tall and bearded, quietly spoke and wearing loose fitting jeans and a checked shirt - one of those easy going tall thin men who are often described as being ‘loose-limbed’ - he appeared to amble along rather like a puppet on strings that did not quite allow his feet to reach the ground.

The briefing was informative - Ian seemed pretty laid back (he has a fleet of 23 charter yachts) but made it clear that in order to get the best out our trip we needed to get throught the Dodd Narrows tomorrow morning at slack water - which the tide table showed was at 9.45am... (we had rather thought we might spend the morning pottering around the bay, getting used to sailing our boat!). He reassured that although he wouldn’t be there tomorrow morning, his associate, Ken,would be on hand to assist us.

We finally boarded our 43 foot Bavaria yacht, Stargazer and surveyed the equipment and accommodation. After the briefing we moved in and had a cuppa, checking everything over in readiness and itall seemed fine. Very exciting!! We couldn't wait to get everyone on board and start sailing! The yacht was large and new and very well appointed with a really cosy and comfortable saloon, two heads, one shower, a well equipped kitchen with fridge and freezer and three generous double cabins. we borrowed a fishing rod, and wet weather gear and hired a prawn trap... all set!

They allowed us the use of their minibus (a Millie clone!) so we headed up the road to Thrifty Foods to buy some supper and stock up with vittels for our adventure. Priorities were a hot chicken, beer and wine, lots of cookies an snacks, and many tea bags! When this was all stashed it was time to collect Mike and Beth from the ferry and introduce them to Stargazer. They arrived loaded with their bags and one of Laura's paddle boards. Chris will bring the other when he arrives on the 8.15 ferry tomorrow morning.

Beth and Mike loved the boat and doonsettled in. It was all very cosy indeed and after supper Beth retired, exhausted and full of cold bugs, whilst the navigation team prepared a passage plan for the start of our voyage tomorrow...