The sun is just rising over Hampton, and the excitement within the fleet is palpable. Following a fantastic Bon Voyage party last night hosted by the Hampton Yacht Club - which saw over 120 crewmembers, family and friends enjoying food and drink upstairs and down - the fleet now switches gear and is starting to think about the Caribbean!
Due to a change in the weather, the Rally Office decided this morning to forego the traditional starting line, instead opting for a 'rolling start' immediately following today's Skipper's Briefing in the Dockside Ballroom. Rumors swirled yesterday during the safety demonstrations as the team in Hampton kept a close eye on the weather, and this morning it was confirmed that the yachts will be free to depart as early as noon today.
One of the major challenges in organizing a group departure from the US East Coast in the fall is the fickle weather pattern and finding a suitable window to cross the Gulf Stream. As the remnants of Hurricane Sandy move NE over the Canadian Maritimes, a winter weather pattern is forming over the midwest of the United States. By Wednesday, this low-pressure system is expected to be parked off the Chesapeake Bay, and the goal is to get the fleet out ahead of it and sailing south towards warmer weather and Trade Winds! The fleet has been supportive of the change in plans, and are aware that flexibility is key when planning an offshore passage from the Chesapeake.
Check-outs are scheduled to commence in less than an hour at the Rally Office, with the Skipper's Briefing to follow at 1100 in the Dockside Ballroom. Skippers can expect a detailed weather and Gulf Stream analysis, routing advice, and sailing instructions for the trip south. Stay tuned to the fleet viewer from this afternoon to track the progress of the fleet as they head south!
|