This
blog has been delayed by difficulties with wifi and if I can send it today
20th the end of the ARC is this evening at prize giving, the end of
an adventure and challenges ranging from where did we stow the chillies to
sextant position fixes, dealing with goose barnacles, rope wraps, water
management, why is the mainsail not furling properly, the list goes on for long
time.
As we
approached St Lucia with the sun rising behind us and Martinique off to
starboard, I was surprised how green and picturesque with its many hill tops it
is.
We had
been motoring for good number of hours with the very light winds but as we
closed St Lucia the wind arrived and we went from a broad reach to a beat (a
proper way to arrive) as we rounded Pigeon Island into the finishing line where
SOPHIE another Hallberg Rassy sounded the finishing horn at 0923 and 31 seconds
on the 15th December 2014
We
made it, my thanks to Simon and Richard
All we
had to do now was to enter the harbour remembering that unlike the IALA system
in UK and Europe red buoys are left to starboard as you enter from seaward NOT
green as we know it, all seemed perfectly peaceful as we motored up the narrow
channel into the lagoon and marina berths that was until we turned the corner
and hooters, klaxons, cheers and shouts from almost every boat we passed filled
the air, then I saw Viv and Sarah jumping up and down on the jetty that was
very special and will never be forgotten. It was worth the crossing just for the
welcome truly out of this world.
Then NO PRESSURE with a steel band playing, people gathered to wish
us welcome including CLUCK our Swedish friends Mates, Kent, Jorgen and Goran,
and some of the yellow shirts not forgetting the rum punches and beautiful bowl
of fresh fruit, oh yes, I nearly forgot NO PRESSURE just come into this gap
astern without making a whoopsie of it!!!!!
Now I
have the answer to can I cross an ocean the reason for embarking on this
adventure
Since
we arrived we have enjoyed wonderful hospitality, food, weather and a lot of
camaraderie with fellow ARCers. Now we are getting ANIKA ready to go cruising
in through the Caribbean Islands, following a little taster sail down to the
picture postcard Marigot Bay for a swim and lunch whilst anchored, but
first we need to sort out the generator, alternator, and starter battery, we
also need to provision.
David