January 26th, 2018
We're off
This is what an early departure looks like from Jolly Harbour, Antigua with the sun just coming up over the hills. If you didn't know any better it could be NZ
January 26th, 2018
BVI's
This comes from the BVI's where we turned up this morning after a lovely sail from Antigua. Sadly we were very tired so the night sail, despite being stunning, was at times hard work. Definitely a couple of nodding dog moments so we did a tag team to get through it.
During the more alert periods the sailing was amazing with a warm wind on the aft beam and a steady 7.5 to 8.5knts with the boat upright. She just loved it to the point that I had to ease up towards the end to avoid coming in during darkness. One has to be careful at the best of times but the Hurricane has underlined it with the main lighthouse out of action and one has to be careful the buoy's.
We are at anchor under Prickly Pear Island with a cold one to celebrate the sunset and some mood music in the background - Louie Armstrong, Nat King Col and others. Turtles, big ones, are popping up to say hello so its stunning on the water. Ashore couldn't be any more different, more of a war zone than a building site. The damage is shocking and looking at it ones imagination runs riot at what the wind must have been like. I have never wished to be in a Hurricane and its just been underlined.
January 10th, 2018
French Breakfast
January 10th, 2018
Sunset
January 10th, 2018
Sail repairs
January 10th, 2018
Big Seas
January 10th, 2018
Deep Sea Tracey
This is Tracey as we arrived in Antigua - even the rainbow came out. I'm very proud of her
January 10th, 2018
Antigua
This comes from a sunny bar by the sea - I know I know but it really is. Its stunning here and we have settled in after a good sleep and getting on top of all the emails and job list. Today feels like the first proper day off although I should stress it hasn't ever been like work in the real sense. The nice thing is that we have met lots of people and they are all very friendly.
The trip over was fantastic and offered the full spectrum of weather. What was a surprise was that for the first week we had big winds and were wearing thermals. This gave us four 180NM days and I have to say 'Pearl' was just amazing for she handled it like a lady. We always felt safe and comfortable particularly as when you pull up the centre board all the lateral resistance sits back with the rudders and she becomes directionally docile where other boats might have a tendency to broach. This of course means that the Autopilot has an easy ride.
There's not many boats or builders of such a quality that you can take it straight out of the box and head off across the Atlantic two handed and have an easy ride. We didn't have any breakages to speak of and we feel that we are now blooded, a team of three.
It was a baptism of fire for Tracey and although there were tough times she has come out the other end having really enjoyed it. She has earned her place in the yacht club bar and has learnt not to think about the destination but to focus on the moment. You cant beat a sundowner in the trades with two inquisitive 30 Minke Whale and good vibes on the cockpit speakers!!
We're really happy, although it does feel strange at times that this is now our way of life. We're not going to be flying back to a big grind after a fortnights break. I do have articles to write and will be doing some teaching back in Europe but its something that I enjoy and will support us as we sail.
Happy New Year All
