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Shenanigan - We made it!



03:05:10 Local time (07:05:10 UK Time) 18th December 2013

After 23 days, 18 hours, 5 minutes and 10 seconds we crossed the ARC finish 

line, beating into the wind as we tacked round Pigeon Island with a big lean 

to port, arriving in Rodney Bay, St Lucia on a windy moonlit night.


We had battled our final squall a couple of miles out with winds of 37 knots
and high seas giving us good speed as we headed towards the island. As we
neared St Lucia we heard on the radio the boats ahead of us arriving and it
was good to hear ARC Rally Control informing the finish line of our position
and that we were the next expected boat. It was a very welcome
congratulations received from the finish line. We took our sails down and
headed for the marina. As we entered the cut we were thrilled to hear cries
of congratulations from our friends Alison and Trevor standing on the bank
to welcome us.

We were guided into our berth by ARC Rally Control waving a bright red
flashing light. They took our lines and immediately presented us with some
very welcome yummy rum punch and a large basket of fruit and a bottle of
finest St Lucian rum. Within half an hour Trevor and Alison arrived in the
marina and we all sat on deck celebrating until after sunrise.

It is almost surreal to think that we had just sailed safely over three
thousand miles across an ocean without stopping, making all our planning and
preparations worth it.

Since arrival we have spoken to many other boats which has made us realise
that the breakages and challenges we experienced were common for many and
the general opinion has been that this was one of the hardest ARC crossings
in recent years due to conditions. This has made us even more proud of
ourselves and our seamanship skills in looking after the boat and each
other.

We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to all you who have religiously
followed us across the Atlantic, and for your encouragement and
congratulatory emails.

We are now relaxing in Rodney Bay marina with only two ARC parties
remaining! We are looking forward to Mack, Alexandra and Timmy arriving on
Sunday for Christmas and the New Year.

Don’t forget to follow us in ARC Europe for the return journey in May 2014!

Best wishes,
Michaela, Brian & Christopher – The Shenan Gang

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