14 April 2011
The man in Bequia was right. On Thursday there would be a change of weather. Always listen to the locals I say. Sure enough by lunchtime all the dark rain clouds of the past week have cleared away and the sun came out. For the first time for quite a while we are a full complement of yachts once more as Kalliope, Lady Ev VI, Tucanon, Jeannius, and Chessie arrive during the course of the day. Elaine Bunting, the journalist from Yachting World has arrived and has spent most of the day chatting with all the crews. I have agreed to write a second article for her on money matters or at least David will tell me what to say and I will put it into my own words. And..... I have a deadline. I love deadlines. It focuses the mind, it get things done. It is a bit like the World Arc event. We are given a date for leaving and we go! The temptation for 'just one more day' can be very strong but where does it get you in the end. Deadlines allow for no procrastination, there is no dithering about. If we sit and wait for an ideal weather forecast you might wait for days or even weeks or perhaps never move on at all. The marina staff hosted a "Creole" party tonight, a steel band, a buffet supper and plenty of rum punch. Looking around at everyone we are all a big family. In two days time we are all going to go our separate ways. It has been great but all good things as they say must come to an end. For now the party is almost over.....
Susan Mackay