It's only just 8 days since the start of the 2012 Caribbean 1500, and over half the fleet has already arrived in Nanny Cay, Tortola. Sixteen boats are now at the dock, after several overnight arrivals.
"We're thrilled to be here!" said Harriet on the catamaran Miss Piggy, who crossed the finish line just after 9am this morning. "We've never been here before," she continued, "and couldn't be happier!"
The decision to depart early has been commended by nearly all of the boats thus far. "It's the smartest thing the event has ever done," said veteran Miles Poor of Karina. "This time of year the weather windows are just so tight, and the longer you wait, the larger the risk of a big winter gale," he continued. "Great call."
Most of the fleet reported bumpy weather the second night out from Hampton. "It was the most incredible electrical storm we've ever experienced," said Rick and Julie Palm of Altair. It must have been something - Rick and Julie have already once sailed round the world, and have done the 1500 year after year. "It was actually quite beautiful," commented one crew member. Save for a few masthead wind indicators shorting out, none of the boats were any worse for wear due to it.
Rob and Ginny Beams of Helia, the only family boat in this year's event, arrived in the dark last night. The three girls, Hannah, Eleanor and Mia were excited to be in the islands for the first time, and said they had a blast offshore.
"It was like being on space mountain!" they said, of the experience of doing a night watch and sailing at eight knots in the dark. Helia is a big Slocum 43, and needs a bit of wind to get going. "I thought the boat liked 15 knots," said skipper Rob, "but it really likes 25 knots!" he exclaimed. During one 36-hour period about halfway through the trip, Helia covered an astounding 311 miles under sail. "When the wind finally dropped below 12 knots yesterday we were all bummed out," said Ginny. "I wanted to keep making 8 knots of boat speed!"
Several of the yachts due in early this morning elected to anchor out for the night, a smart decision for those unfamiliar with the marina channel entrance. Club Carp, despite being rally veterans (and keeping their boat in charter with Horizon Yachts here in Nanny Cay) did just that, as did Adagio and Traveling Light. Though the channel well-marked, lit and relatively straightforward, it's undeniably the seamanlike thing to do to wait out the dawn if there is any question at all. Keep It Simple, a J-42 making their arrival into the BVI for the first time, made several passes by the channel before finally coming in. "Just wanted to make sure we knew where we were," said skipper Joe.
The social program gets under way tonight at Peg Leg's Beach Bar, with a pizza happy hour from 1700 by the pool. Several more yachts are due to arrive throughout the afternoon, and the beachfront bar makes for an excellent greeting place to cheer on those just arriving. New this year is an island tour on offer from BVI Tours, and departing Nanny Cay at 1300 on Wednesday. The 4-hour scenic tour includes stops in Cane Garden Bay and a local rum distillery, and is a great way to get out and see the island. Space is limited to 25 people, so sign up in the Rally Office now!
Stay tuned to the Caribbean 1500's Facebook page (www.facebook.com/carib1500) for up to the minute updates on what's happening in the BVI and at sea!
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