Day 16 - Rest in Brest

Today is Friday.

We are all tied up. The boat ia tied up. Not the crew, although that could be fun practicing knots.

Today maybe a little boring as we wait for the wind to abait. It will not as exciting as the last few days. In fact yesterday afternoon the excitement continued..........

We had a full French Custom Inspection. There were 9 officers in Black Uniforms with guns and forms which arrived on a RIB  (big black inflatable powerboat) with 2 divers too. Under the pretence of compliance of rules, ownership, employment, there was a strong suspicion there was another agenda. Yes folks, BREXIT.

We believe this inspection was a shake down seeking Brexiteers.  Abdullah aka Fabio relaxed as the focus about identity fell on the Chief and me. All questions in faltering Fronglias was meet with faltering Fronglias too. We were not going to get caught as in the movie "The Great Escape" with a simple line "have a nice trip" was not going to get the Chief or me. 3 hours later we were given a certificate and freedom to leave France. (They failed to find the Brexiteers ha ha ha)

Today in the cold grey of a dockyard morning it's been decided we need new identities. New identities so we can sail continue around Europe unchallenged. From now I am Count Carlos Maria Bianco Chikken of Venice, this new persona feels good. Abdullah is sticking to Fabio it work yesterday. The Chief who was born in South Africa is now a Zulu Chieftian, we have kindly suggested it maybe a little implausible as a 5'10" surfer dude might not be tall enough the blue eyes would be unique and South Africa is in Europe. No good the Chief is adement he's a Zulu. 

We the band of three, we a happy breed go about our ship chores, laundry,  washing, cleaning, coiling ropes and packing till dinner.

Fabio is working his identify as he's taking us to Church and Friday mass. The Chief and I seeking affirmation in the brassiere whilst Fabio is on his knees.

The final leg to Falmouth begins tomorrow, Saturday early and it's blog Sunday. Soon R5 will be moored on its pontoon and the crew dispersed. But not till Sunday.