Mariquita Book - mk2

MOONBEAM IV CREW
They show up in port with that indescribable Gallic coolness, and a
polished docking routine requiring almost no need for voices. When the
lines are made fast and the passarelle is in place, it’s then that you see the
magnetising personas of the Moonbeam IV crew. The first thing to cross
that passarelle is a barbeque, followed soon by the freshly caught fish they
pulled up that morning. Speakers blare out music as the grill is set alight,
and the rest of the fleet gravitate to this new universe as kisses are traded,
cheek to cheek, and smiles abound as friends reconnect.
This easygoing nature will vanish though, as they leave for racing the next
morning. At times, Moonbeam IV will fill the ranks of race crew with
local corporate charters, or other new faces, but despite the green hands
she is a fierce competitor on the water. This is a testament to the patience
and effectiveness of the crew, who can set a pole spinnaker with only a few
trained hands aboard.
Once back in port, her decks are cleaned and sails stopped up in wool
with an efficiency that makes one have to look twice. As a yacht that can
be cruised with far less crew than Mariquita, systems have been refined
over the years to make the packing away of kit a brief activity once the
day is done. Then it’s time for beers on the foredeck and bodies slumped
into hammocks as they enjoy the evening murmur of Barcelona.
Matty Oates
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