can we help
+44(0)1983 296060
+1 757-788-8872
tell me moreJoin a rally

Menu

Skyelark of London -



Blog 16.
St. Lucia on the horizon.

After some amazing 2724 Nm miles we are 44 miles of our final destination,
St. Lucia. And that has woken up Captains Dan and Em. The final commands of
the totally worn out sailors, has been to fly anything from the Sail locker,
that have any potential of increasing speed, by a fraction. This have now
been up in the mast. Ropes everywhere and with a satisfied grin to their
faces, Cap Dan and First mate Em took shelter in the saloon, whilst Skylark
is flying towards St. Lucia on the Kite, staysail and Main sail. But I will
be surprised if we get away so easy. More sails to be trimmed..

The bet of the day is what time "Land Ohoj" is shouted out. Competition is
as always hard, and close. The prior guessing of arrival did not find a
winner to take the boat across finishing line. (Except Cap Dan was closest).
First guess is 1430 and last is 1745.
The trip have been a very high learning curve and eye opener. Sea state
varying much, but the Skyelark coming out as winner. It is very special to
see how fast the sea is calming down after heavy wind. And the build up
taking half a day only. The most Swell seen is in the range of 5-7 meters.
But the boat dances happily down these without any sidekicks.

The ARC itself, have not either been a display of disasters. We have heard
of 1 broken mast, a rudder knocked off by a Whale. And some minor incidents
cleared as the days go. Though it must be said, that in some of the heavier
"Squal sessions" sleep was not very easy. (Especially not in the double
bunk) It felt like sitting on a raving Bull, whose only purpose of life,
was to get rid of the burden as fast as possible. Even so, these nights are
quickly forgotten, by the beauty of a new and another stunning day rising.
Short timeline. 1538 Land ohoj, Chris to buy the first round to the crew.
1543 Spinnaker ripped apart and got wet. 1549 Recovered Spinnaker from sea,
and head sail in position on pole.

Food of the day Lasagne by Chef Soeren, and sous Nigel (AKA Gourmet Nigel.)
Next. Arrival celebrating, Cabin cleaning, shower in hotel on not moving
object. More arrival celebration. Then travel home with a tremendous memory
for life.

Next blog covering arrival and finishing line.
Tonny (I. R. C.)



Previous | Next