BVI fleet flying, ARC Bahamas fleet preparing

The weather is clearing for the BVI fleet as they head southeast. Those at the back of the fleet had a bumpy night, but the second weather front has passed and it looks to be smooth sailing for the rest of the week.

Jeremi and Agnieszka from Avanti checked in with Rally Control this morning. After a rough second night at sea, the two-handed crew was able to get some rest and are enjoying what ocean sailing is all about:

"What a great day today!!! I would love to do some sailing but I got busy with our saloon remodeling project.... Agnieszka is driving the boat with very fractional main and 130 Genee....Hopfuly tomorrow I'll get the new main and we'll catch up with the guys.

Till then, Dark and Stormy SALUTE!!!!"

Pierre from Tati, who is situated right in the middle of the fleet, also checked in:

"Hello gang! Everything going well in board except that yesterday we lost our radar dome on the mast. We got it back from the water like a MOB manuever this morning! We sailing at 7.5 knots!"

San Picaro, the Alajuela 38 that turned round after day 2 at sea, is safely back in port at Hampton. They fought against 20-knot headwinds as they sailed along Virginia Beach, and are finally getting some needed rest in a local hotel. Paul, Jim and Tami plan to continue south to the Caribbean in the next week, and are in great spirits.

"It was an excellent learning experience," Paul said yesterday. "We need some more handholds in the cabin of the boat!," he joked. "But we're still planning on heading south as soon as we can. Thanks for the support!"

Meanwhile, in the ARC Bahamas fleet, Johnny Powell checked in from Beaufort aboard T'ai Chi last night:

"Tai Chi look like they're going to be all set for Thursday departure. I'm awaiting Turbo Tub and Miramar. Once we've re-grouped here in Morehead City / Beaufort, we're going to hopefully depart on Thursday if the weather remains favourable."

Irish Rover is back at sea, sailing coastwise outside South Carolina and looking to cross the Gulf Stream at the next best location.

"Next stop: Bahamas!" they posted on Facebook this morning. Turbo's Tub is making their way down the ICW to meet T'ai Chi, and Miramar expects to depart Little Creek as soon as possible to catch up.

Susie Q and Mariannina look as if their gamble of making a direct run for Green Turtle Cay offshore is paying off. They have following winds today that should carry them all the way in.

Be sure to check facebook.com/carib1500 for real-time updates on the fleet as they continue south to the islands!