Following the early departure just after noon on Saturday, the Caribbean 1500 fleet has been at sea for almost 48 hours and settling into their daily routines. Steve Black, rally founder, confirmed this morning that it's the first time the event has ever departed early. "I think it was a great decision," Steve said. "They look to be having good weather and should get a speedy passage to Tortola." A few boats have checked in with Rally Control. San Picaro has emailed in that they are returning to Hampton following slow progress and a fussy SSB radio. All aboard are okay, and they expect to make landfall today or tonight. Avanti called on his satellite phone this morning. The Hanse 430 is the only double-handed boat in the fleet, and Jeremi sounded tired but in good spirits. The first couple days at sea are the hardest to adjust too, particularly with a double-handed crew. He reported breezy conditions overnight, but light winds this morning. They are continuing along the rhumb line and are near the front of the fleet making 8 knots. Scott on Pendragon seemed to be having poor SSB reception, and emailed Rally Control this morning to report that they are doing just fine and enjoying the ride thus far. Magpie reported to family ashore that it was windy last night but they are happy and making good progress to the southeast. Meanwhile the ARC Bahamas fleet has divided somewhat. Turbo's Tub departed Little Creek this morning and is heading down the ICW towards Beaufort, where Irish Rover has already made landfall. Susie Q and Mariannina appear to be taking a direct route to Green Turtle Cay and were headed SE this morning on the trackers. ARC Bahamas event manager Johnny Powell is aboard T'ai Chi and look like they'll make landfall in Beaufort sometime today. Miramar, the Tayana 37 that switched from the BVI to the Bahamas fleet at the last minute is undergoing minor repairs in Little Creek, and plans to join the ARC Bahamas fleet in Beaufort by the end of the week. Follow the fleet on the fleet viewer (http://www.worldcruising.com/carib1500/viewer.aspx) as they head south, and watch for daily updates on our news page.
|