Salamander - Leaving pontoon

Our schedule for Sunday morning was clearly communicated via the crew WhatsApp messaging. We were to be on board no later than 10am ready to leave at 11am.


All was going to plan until we discovered our YB Connect wasn't playing. One of the crew went in search of the team from YB, only for them to get word and get to us!! We did get us all connected and we were all now on board. There were the usual goodbyes and I have to say I felt very emotional. More of that later!!


We did get away at 11 and were one of the first out through the narrow channel which was lined with well wishers all shouting and waving. This was now very real and we had a job to do!


The large navy vessel acting as committee boat dropped their anchor and our yellow outer distance marker was laid. Time for a quick timed run to see where we needed to be at our 10 minute warning.


In no time the catamarans were off on their start and now we lined up with the 5 other boats in the race division. The countdown started and we were a bit too keen! Stalling for a couple of minutes to slow down so we didn't incur any penalties!


The horn had sounded and we were off. Now in our own world. Separated from everyone and everything for the next couple of weeks. We started to settle down, taking turns at the helm to get used to the boat that would become very familiar as we crossed the ocean in search of Mary the flag lady in St. Lucia.



Tim - Salamander Tour Manager and Social Media Editor