Today has seen the Spirit of Cardiff crew ready the boat for action once more. She's had a good clean down, leaky hatches sealed, and ABP's logo has appeared on the boat through a bit of ingenuity with a felt tip pen.

When the windscreens smashed on the way to Gibraltar, it was the vinyl surround carrying ABP's logos that helped prevent the screens from caving in entirely. But when the replacement screens were fitted we were unable to replace the stickers. We're picking up new stickers in the Philippines, but in the meantime, here's our attempt at a stopgap measure for a company that has always been one of our greatest supporters.

Yesterday sees us taking a trip into Singapore city. First stop is the Sony Gallery at Bugis Junction to buy a wide angle lens adapter for my MiniDV camcorder, now the prime piece of equipment for the TV documentary. Whilst Alan Carter's departure has robbed us of the rather more sophisticated video equipment, my own gear will prove more than adequate. If you saw last year's short documentary about the transatlantic challenge, no one should have any doubt about my ability to carry on with the filming.

Then it's into the Aladdin's Cave of Bugis Street, where you can buy just about any branded goods at unbelievable prices. If you're after watches, very convincing fake Rolexes and Omegas are here for around twenty pounds, but amazingly even newer and cheaper brands such as Swiss Army and Swatch can also be found in the counterfeit line-up.

We also manage to relax in a bar or two, ending up using my press card to get us invited into the famed Raffles Hotel for a Singapore Sling despite our being somewhat underdressed in shorts and T-shirts.

Clive Tully

Copyright Clive Tully ©2002
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