GRAND ARRIVAL IN GIBRALTAR - SATURDAY 29th AUGUST
SATURDAY 29th AUGUST 2009 – OFFICIAL ARRIVAL IN GIBRALTAR
This was the day that finally marked the end of the JAUNT2GIB. It was the day that we had all been working towards and marked the end of months of planning, preparation and effort. In one way it was a sad event, as in a few days time it will be back to normal life and work! It also reminded us why we were here and the sad events that brought about the Challenge4Ben, Jaunt2Gib. In other ways, it was a great celebration of all that has gone into making this expedition successful.
Since arriving in Gibraltar on the 20th August, the boats were kept safely at Gun Wharf where Jase and his great team were so tolerant, patient and helpful.
James and I got down to the boats at 10.45 and made ready for our short but memorable journey. George, the Chief Instructor, suggested we make our way to the yellow marker buoy off the runway, as we would have clean wind and would be able to sail up and down in reasonable conditions. How right he was! Once we had cleared the mole, we experienced some really strange conditions ranging from sudden fierce gusts to absolute calm. As we neared the buoy, a fleet of Lasers from the United Services Sailing Club came and joined us. In no time at all, several other boats were with us and we had a veritable fleet sailing or motoring up and down waiting for our moment to enter Ocean Village Marina. This was a wonderful spell sailing Rozelle with sails filled and making over 5 knots at times. My one regret however was that the wind was not in the right direction to hoist the ‘Newtel’ cruising chute, so generously donated before we left Jersey. At 12.50 we were joined by HMS Sabre, one of the patrol boats stationed in Gibraltar. Madeleine, Jane, Josh and Jonny were on board along with local reporters and camera men. Several large motor boats also came out to join the throng and after making our way back and forth a few times at 1.40 pm I lowered my mizzen and prepared to get the other sails in. It would have been great to sail in, but with an easterly wind blowing this would have been very difficult and I, no doubt, would have made an absolute mess of it! Having got the sails down, I hoisted my Gibraltar flag and started the engine. Much to my relief Horatio the Honda sprang into life and we started to make our way towards the southern edge of the runway and the entrance to Ocean Village Marina. I admit there was a tear in my eye and the emotions were hard to keep under control. As we made our way in, people on moored boats called out congratulations and the atmosphere took on a carnival spirit. James and I followed Jinson, a senior Customs Officers, who was in a Custom’s RIB who lead us towards the pontoons by ‘Pussers Bar’. As we rounded the corner I was surprised to see hoards of people on the pontoon and overlooking it from various vantage points. My concerns about coming alongside without making a total mess of it grew! No pressure!! About 15 feet from the pontoon, I put Horatio into neutral and coasted in, coming alongside, I have to say, rather well! James followed and came alongside at right angles to me on the other pontoon arm.
The welcome was overwhelming. People were cheering and ‘Life on the Ocean Waves’ was playing loudly, it was all so much to take in. I threw my lines to waiting hands, took off my life jacket and stepped ashore. Immediately we were surrounded by people and faces. Raju Alwani, the President of the Rotary Club of Gibraltar, shook my hand and introduced me to the Governor and his wife, Sir Robert and Lady Fulton, (Sir Robert is an ex Royal Marine) and the Minister of Sport, Edwin Reyes. Cameras were clicking everywhere and amongst all of this it was great to see many friendly faces I recognised. James joined us and more photographs were taken and much to my relief a glass of wine was thrust into our hands! Someone knew us well!! My one regret during all of this was that Madeleine, Josh, Jonny and Jane missed this part as they were still on the launch, but they could see the proceedings from the launch. After this initial welcome, we were lead around the boardwalk to the stage that had been erected for the Rotary ‘Fun Day’ activities and Raju gave a formal welcome. He asked me to say a few words, which allowed me to publicly thank everyone, especially Madeleine, James and Jane – ‘The Team’ - and the wonderful Gibraltar Rotary crew, who had done so much to make the Jaunt2Gib possible. I so hope and pray that our Ben was looking down on all of this and approved of what we had done. I had good a chat with the Governor and his wife and then the rest of the afternoon was spent meeting and talking with people. So many kind people, residents and visitors, kept on coming up to congratulate us. The Rotary ‘Fun Day’ was a great success and there were many stalls and activities going on. At 5 pm I was asked to draw the winning ticket for the raffle, the prize being a new car!!
In the evening we were all invited back to ‘Pussers’ for an informal dinner, hosted by the Rotary Club. It was a lovely opportunity to be able to spend more time with all those who had put so much into making such a fantastic day. It was evident by this time that Rotary felt that it had been a very successful fund raising day. At midnight we said our goodbyes and headed back to our hotel. We were all so appreciative that the Jaunt2Gib had drawn to an end in such an over whelming, friendly and successful way.
As a special note we would like to express our very sincere thanks to the Rotary Club of Gibraltar and especially the Committee who arranged the ‘Challenge4Ben Family Fun Day’ -
Raju (President), Pam (the Boss and slave master!!), Bea (who initially picked up the idea and ran with it), Ian (who came up with the idea in the first place over a boozy dinner with me), Barbara (who sent such lovely blogs to us), Penny and Sylvia (who walked the length and breath of Gibraltar organising stalls and collecting prizes), Jinson (and his customs team, who so wonderfully helped us with the customs formalities on arrival and also organised their RIBs for fun rides, greatly enjoyed by many including Madeleine, Josh and Jonny), Jane (for sorting the entertainment with help from Nigel and Barbara), Heather and Lyanna, (who with Ian organised the publicity and PR), Leif, (for keeping the C4B Team in order and for being so supportive to us during our voyage), Jennifer (for her great support to Pam), Tony and John (for their fantastic efforts in selling so many raffle tickets and T-Shirts), Miguel (for being the official photographer on the day).
Our thanks also go to Jo Hernandez, and his colleagues at the Sports Department, who allowed us to park the motor home at their facilities and for his great support and help throughout the Jaunt2Gib. Jo’s friendly assistance and wonderful smile made life much easier for us! The Commander and crew of HMS Saber for looking after Madeleine, Jane, Josh and Jonny, photographers and journalists.
We owe a special debt of gratitude to all the staff at Gun Warf, where the boats were moored, for their wonderful assistance, support and patience. Thank you George for the welcome cup of tea that we eventually managed to have with you on our final morning!
We would also like to thank His Excellency the Governor and his wife for taking the time to come and welcome us to Gibraltar, and to support the Rotary ‘Family Fun Day’, and the Minister of Sport for being there also and making it such special occasion.
All of the people involved with or who took part in the ‘Family Fun Day’ must also get a special ‘Thank You’, as well as everyone who came along and who helped to raise so much money for local worthy causes and Help for Heroes. You all made it a very memorable day that we will cherish for ever.
Finally, a huge ‘Thank You’ goes to all the people of Gibraltar – you are very special and your longstanding association with the Royal Marines was one of the main reasons we chose Gibraltar as the destination for our ‘Chalenge4Ben’. Ben certainly would have approved and we are very appreciative of your wonderful welcome and support.
This was the day that finally marked the end of the JAUNT2GIB. It was the day that we had all been working towards and marked the end of months of planning, preparation and effort. In one way it was a sad event, as in a few days time it will be back to normal life and work! It also reminded us why we were here and the sad events that brought about the Challenge4Ben, Jaunt2Gib. In other ways, it was a great celebration of all that has gone into making this expedition successful.
Since arriving in Gibraltar on the 20th August, the boats were kept safely at Gun Wharf where Jase and his great team were so tolerant, patient and helpful.
James and I got down to the boats at 10.45 and made ready for our short but memorable journey. George, the Chief Instructor, suggested we make our way to the yellow marker buoy off the runway, as we would have clean wind and would be able to sail up and down in reasonable conditions. How right he was! Once we had cleared the mole, we experienced some really strange conditions ranging from sudden fierce gusts to absolute calm. As we neared the buoy, a fleet of Lasers from the United Services Sailing Club came and joined us. In no time at all, several other boats were with us and we had a veritable fleet sailing or motoring up and down waiting for our moment to enter Ocean Village Marina. This was a wonderful spell sailing Rozelle with sails filled and making over 5 knots at times. My one regret however was that the wind was not in the right direction to hoist the ‘Newtel’ cruising chute, so generously donated before we left Jersey. At 12.50 we were joined by HMS Sabre, one of the patrol boats stationed in Gibraltar. Madeleine, Jane, Josh and Jonny were on board along with local reporters and camera men. Several large motor boats also came out to join the throng and after making our way back and forth a few times at 1.40 pm I lowered my mizzen and prepared to get the other sails in. It would have been great to sail in, but with an easterly wind blowing this would have been very difficult and I, no doubt, would have made an absolute mess of it! Having got the sails down, I hoisted my Gibraltar flag and started the engine. Much to my relief Horatio the Honda sprang into life and we started to make our way towards the southern edge of the runway and the entrance to Ocean Village Marina. I admit there was a tear in my eye and the emotions were hard to keep under control. As we made our way in, people on moored boats called out congratulations and the atmosphere took on a carnival spirit. James and I followed Jinson, a senior Customs Officers, who was in a Custom’s RIB who lead us towards the pontoons by ‘Pussers Bar’. As we rounded the corner I was surprised to see hoards of people on the pontoon and overlooking it from various vantage points. My concerns about coming alongside without making a total mess of it grew! No pressure!! About 15 feet from the pontoon, I put Horatio into neutral and coasted in, coming alongside, I have to say, rather well! James followed and came alongside at right angles to me on the other pontoon arm.
The welcome was overwhelming. People were cheering and ‘Life on the Ocean Waves’ was playing loudly, it was all so much to take in. I threw my lines to waiting hands, took off my life jacket and stepped ashore. Immediately we were surrounded by people and faces. Raju Alwani, the President of the Rotary Club of Gibraltar, shook my hand and introduced me to the Governor and his wife, Sir Robert and Lady Fulton, (Sir Robert is an ex Royal Marine) and the Minister of Sport, Edwin Reyes. Cameras were clicking everywhere and amongst all of this it was great to see many friendly faces I recognised. James joined us and more photographs were taken and much to my relief a glass of wine was thrust into our hands! Someone knew us well!! My one regret during all of this was that Madeleine, Josh, Jonny and Jane missed this part as they were still on the launch, but they could see the proceedings from the launch. After this initial welcome, we were lead around the boardwalk to the stage that had been erected for the Rotary ‘Fun Day’ activities and Raju gave a formal welcome. He asked me to say a few words, which allowed me to publicly thank everyone, especially Madeleine, James and Jane – ‘The Team’ - and the wonderful Gibraltar Rotary crew, who had done so much to make the Jaunt2Gib possible. I so hope and pray that our Ben was looking down on all of this and approved of what we had done. I had good a chat with the Governor and his wife and then the rest of the afternoon was spent meeting and talking with people. So many kind people, residents and visitors, kept on coming up to congratulate us. The Rotary ‘Fun Day’ was a great success and there were many stalls and activities going on. At 5 pm I was asked to draw the winning ticket for the raffle, the prize being a new car!!
In the evening we were all invited back to ‘Pussers’ for an informal dinner, hosted by the Rotary Club. It was a lovely opportunity to be able to spend more time with all those who had put so much into making such a fantastic day. It was evident by this time that Rotary felt that it had been a very successful fund raising day. At midnight we said our goodbyes and headed back to our hotel. We were all so appreciative that the Jaunt2Gib had drawn to an end in such an over whelming, friendly and successful way.
As a special note we would like to express our very sincere thanks to the Rotary Club of Gibraltar and especially the Committee who arranged the ‘Challenge4Ben Family Fun Day’ -
Raju (President), Pam (the Boss and slave master!!), Bea (who initially picked up the idea and ran with it), Ian (who came up with the idea in the first place over a boozy dinner with me), Barbara (who sent such lovely blogs to us), Penny and Sylvia (who walked the length and breath of Gibraltar organising stalls and collecting prizes), Jinson (and his customs team, who so wonderfully helped us with the customs formalities on arrival and also organised their RIBs for fun rides, greatly enjoyed by many including Madeleine, Josh and Jonny), Jane (for sorting the entertainment with help from Nigel and Barbara), Heather and Lyanna, (who with Ian organised the publicity and PR), Leif, (for keeping the C4B Team in order and for being so supportive to us during our voyage), Jennifer (for her great support to Pam), Tony and John (for their fantastic efforts in selling so many raffle tickets and T-Shirts), Miguel (for being the official photographer on the day).
Our thanks also go to Jo Hernandez, and his colleagues at the Sports Department, who allowed us to park the motor home at their facilities and for his great support and help throughout the Jaunt2Gib. Jo’s friendly assistance and wonderful smile made life much easier for us! The Commander and crew of HMS Saber for looking after Madeleine, Jane, Josh and Jonny, photographers and journalists.
We owe a special debt of gratitude to all the staff at Gun Warf, where the boats were moored, for their wonderful assistance, support and patience. Thank you George for the welcome cup of tea that we eventually managed to have with you on our final morning!
We would also like to thank His Excellency the Governor and his wife for taking the time to come and welcome us to Gibraltar, and to support the Rotary ‘Family Fun Day’, and the Minister of Sport for being there also and making it such special occasion.
All of the people involved with or who took part in the ‘Family Fun Day’ must also get a special ‘Thank You’, as well as everyone who came along and who helped to raise so much money for local worthy causes and Help for Heroes. You all made it a very memorable day that we will cherish for ever.
Finally, a huge ‘Thank You’ goes to all the people of Gibraltar – you are very special and your longstanding association with the Royal Marines was one of the main reasons we chose Gibraltar as the destination for our ‘Chalenge4Ben’. Ben certainly would have approved and we are very appreciative of your wonderful welcome and support.
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Comment by NICK POOLE on September 4, 2009 at 9:38am -
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