ARC Caribbean 1500 Fleet Almost Halfway to Tortola

ARC Caribbean 1500 Fleet Almost Halfway to Tortola

by Andy Schell

They had an 18-hour head start on the planned departure of Sunday, November 3, and the fleet at-sea has taken full advantage of the reaching winds offshore and are blasting their way southeast to Tortola. It’s been a bumpy few days, with winds in the 20s, but nothing makes up for a little discomfort like miles under the keel.

Since departure we’ve heard from several rally yachts at sea via sat phone communication and email, which all boats are required to have to receive weather forecasts and communicate with Rally Control ashore.

Avanti, winner’s of last year’s Tempest Trophy for Spirit of the Rally, called in on Day 2.

“We’ve got big seas out here, but great winds behind us, and we’re flying!” exclaimed Jeremi Jablonski on the phone. “No remodeling projects this year!”

Last year in the Gulf Stream, Avanti’s saloon table came off it’s mounts when the boat bounced off a particularly large wave, sending Jeremi below for repairs. This year it’s been smooth sailing. Avanti left New York City on Friday, a day ahead of the fleet, and has nearly caught them after having sailed the extra miles.

In fact, the fleet is packed remarkably close together. Typically the larger boats will quickly get ahead, while some boats choose to go further east and others stay on the rhumb line. Thanks to the consistent breeze offshore, everyone has been sailing 100% of the time, and the fleet is much closer together than usual.

Sojourner tempted the sailing gods yesterday by reporting that the wind and waves are down a bit, emailing in that they “might just try hot meals tonight!” Alas, according to their morning report today, that’s changed. “All well. Wind, waves returned. No hot meals!”

While it’s been challenging, fast sailing offshore, most of the fleet seems to be having a blast, and it’s shown in the humor of their logs they’ve been sending in.

"A few things that happened during the squall,” wrote Pat from Wings, the Hylas 54 who is leading the fleet to Tortola, in their online blog.

“Anonymous Dave admitted he likes cold wieners with Coleman's mustard. Anonymous Tommy complained he hadn't slept since we left Portsmouth, so he obviously snores when he's awake.”

Aboard Solstice, a TaShing 40, the crew is writing about their food stores.

“Somehow we wound up with three quarts of mayonnaise in stores,” they said, apparently also on cold meals for the time being. “We are pleased to report that we haven't run out of it yet.”

Meanwhile, Tal Lira and Morning Haze, the two boats headed to Green Turtle Cay in the Abacos, are having a downwind run after turning the corner after their Gulf Stream crossing.

“It was a boisterous night (and day) for sure,” wrote Pauline, “and now it’s getting light. We can sail hopefully the whole day!”

The forecast looks like the weather is going to get lighter for a bit over the next 24-48 hours, so the fleet will have to enjoy the good sailing while it lasts. Lady Jane and Slow Dancing should be departing the Chesapeake sometime today or tomorrow after undergoing repairs, while Windquest looks to get underway from Beaufort soon as well.