can we help
+44(0)1983 296060
+1 757-788-8872
tell me moreJoin a rally

Menu

Celebrate - Log Day 9 - Memories of Leg 1



Celebrate is quietly at anchor at Lemon Cay, a beautiful anchorage surrounded by small islands and reefs. Near the entrance a sailboat clearly came to its end on one of the reefs, a reminder that good navigation and careful piloting is essential in the San Blas. We have done a bit of snorkeling, and are working through the list of repairs and maintenance items.

During Sunday pancake breakfast this morning, we were thinking about our 1100 mile passage from Saint Lucia, everyone remembering those unique things that made the trip memorable for each of us. Here are a few:

  • We remember friends sending us off at Saint Lucia, each bringing a bag of fresh vegetables or fruit. How thoughtful!
  • An exciting start to the leg, with a cannon being fired by the Saint Lucia Coast Guard.
  • The while trimming the genoa, the whisker pole got over-stressed and broke at the mast fitting, launching the 12 foot carbon fiber pole across the deck. Since it was still supported by several lines, we were fortunate that it didn't puncture the dinghy, which was stowed on the foredeck. We determined that the repair would require drilling 6 new holes in the pole-end, and screwing it all back together. Where is the best place to drill holes in aluminum so the shavings don't go all over the place? In the galley sink, of course! The repair was successful, and the pole was back in service the following day.
  • I was on watch, very late at night, and hears a thump and flapping behind him. A flying fish had come in the side of the dodger, hit the top, then the back, then the deck. He got pitched back in the sea to fly another day (the fish, not me). That's the only fish story of the trip!
  • Cathy getting better after 4 days in bed with food poisoning. We were so happy to have her back, and going from 6 hour watches to 4 hour watches was such a luxury!
  • Beautiful full moon during the passage, so bright and clear you could almost read!
  • After the moon set, the sky was so dark that the stars were unbelievable. Cathy was first to identify Orion.
  • Squalls. We had a few, but not very violent. Usually we didn't have to reduce sail, we just jumped up and helped steer the boat through the gusts and wind shifts. We saw lots more squalls on radar, passing in front or behind us. Otherwise, the weather was sunny and clear, with seas and wind behind us. Celebrate performed wonderfully in all conditions.
  • Coming down the coast of Columbia the seas built until at times they were 2-4 meters high, but fairly long. Often, we would see a wave come up behind Celebrate, gently lift us and then give us a sleigh ride down. While our usual speed was around 8 knots, we saw as much as 14 knots during surfs.
  • The big waves kicked the boat around somewhat, often overwhelming our somewhat anemic auto pilot. There were times when we had to give the wheel a helpful turn just to get Celebrate back on course.
  • Crossing the finish line as a special moment. The we were euphoric! As we crossed, we called on the radio with our boat name, our time of crossing, and just for good measure a little tune from a singing birthday card, "I just want to celebrate!".
  • Finally, at anchor, enjoying first a couple of President beers that Cathy had saved, then martinis all around.

Celebrate will head over to the World ARC potluck beach party tomorrow, and then get ready for the 80 mile run to Shelter Bay.

Andy




Previous | Next