Land Ho! Tortola's First Arrival, plus Celebrating in the Bahamas

18 November 2015

Yesterday afternoon, Moonwave, the Gunboat 60 catamaran, made their triumphant arrival into Nanny Cay Marina, the first yacht to cross the finish line in the Tortola fleet. While they were nearly a full day ahead of the next group of boats, due in this afternoon, they did have a head-start, departing Portsmouth last Tuesday. The passage took them just over 7 days to complete.

As it happens with weather delays, only two of the five crew from Moonwave go to enjoy the rum punch on arrival! The rest of the crew quickly departed directly from Road Town to catch flights back to Europe.

“We were motoring into Road Town yesterday,” said skipper Sebastien. “And the guys just jumped off the boat without even telling me! They all wanted to get a quick swim in the islands before leaving, so suddenly I’ve got three MOBs as we’re heading into Road Town!”

Of course it was all in fun and the crew got back aboard safely. Their departure is a reality several of the boats will have to face as the finish of the rally butts up against the Thanksgiving holidays next week. Those that are able to stay for the duration will certainly enjoy their time in the islands.
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Last evening marked the end of the ARC Bahamas rally. Jubilee, Satori and Traveling Light celebrated their safe passage to the Abacos at Snappa’s bar and grill on the waterfront in sleep Marsh Harbor. Jubilee & Satori made their landfall yesterday morning.

“We arrived today about 1 minute ahead of Jubilee,” wrote Lee & Rachel on Satori. “I sailed all the way through the cut and up to the markers going into Marsh Harbor. Felt like a bad*ss!”

Lee & Rachel are the youngest couple in the fleet, setting out on an indefinite cruise after selling their worldly possessions and moving aboard Satori, their Tayana 37. They spent three years refitting the boat, doing everything from welding a new mast step to removing all the teak on deck. Earlier this summer, after quitting his job with the FDA, Lee completed a west to east cross-country bicycling trip with a close friend, arriving home in Baltimore just in time to get married to his new bride Rachel. They were still finishing up outfitting Satori during the pre-departure program in Portsmouth, but got her ready for the passage.

“It's surreal we've actually begun cruising,” Lee & Rachel admitted. “Thanks again for everything you've done to help Rachel and I on this quest. Hopefully you guys are enjoying your time in the BVI. We might see more of you sooner than later as an Atlantic circle idea has entered my head...”
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Meanwhile at sea, the Tortola fleet is starting their 8th day on the passage.
“It was just two weeks and 900 miles ago that we departed from Deltaville for our circumnavigation,” writes Steve & Kate from the catamaran Blue Summit. “’New’ is the operative word on this passage for us. Our ten-year boat needed "some" refits and updates after last winter's shakedown cruise in the Bahamas. So far we have been really happy with the new sails, hardware, and systems we installed. We also are getting used to the creaks and groans the boat gives off as we bounce along and we have noticed a few leaking hatches and ports now that they are getting some serious spray. Nothing serious, just more projects to be added to the punch list when we make landfall….”

Blue Summit, while closing in on landfall in Tortola, are only just beginning their travels. They are registered with World ARC and will make their way over the next few months from the BVI to St. Lucia for the start in January. Then it’s Panama-bound and off to the Pacific!

Seahorse, a Leopard 48 cat, and Alcedo of Ryme, a custom 56’ monohull, are battling out to see who will next to cross the finish line. Catch 22, a Swan 48, is right on their heels, so with luck, by the end of the day, Moonwave will have three more neighbors. It’ll be a quiet night tonight, with the next group due in Thursday morning.