WE'VE MADE IT!
Aquila
Alan and Sarah Bennett
Sun 25 May 2008 21:55
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32:17.40N 64:47.24W
The Bennetts and Aquila have arrived safely in
Bermuda!
After the last installment of our blog the wind
died at about eight o'clock, though before then it continued to push us along at
about 6 knots. Sadly, at the same time as the wind died, the rain came in as
well! Our spirits were not to be dampened though, as we saw the loom of Gibbs'
Hill Lighthouse in the dark - the promise of land!
Sebastian did some superb navigation along the
south western coast of Bermuda and we entered St George's Harbour at three
o'clock in the morning. We anchored in the immigration anchorage (after a major
fault with the anchor cable!) and the crew got their heads down for a good
night's sleep without the inconvenience of being woken for watches!
The rain was still hanging over Bermuda when we
awoke this morning but we made our way to the Customs Berth and cleared
immigration there - lots of form filling and papework but all boxes ticked. It
was then decided to make the three hour sail around to the capital Hamilton
immediately so as to catch Myf before she left for UK.
The sail was relatively simple - negotiated our way
through the narrow channels and then sailed downwind towards Hamilton. A good
opportunity to look at the shoreline - lots of typical Bermudan houses painted
lots of bright colours, and the water an amazingly clear blue.
We arrived in Hamilton and soon spotted the Adams'
boat, Ariel, alongside at the Royal Bermudan Yacht Club. Not an ideal berth
(alongside an outer wall) but the crew couldn't care less! Our ropes were
helpfully received by Myf and Henry and we had arrived! Showers were had before
we headed to a lovely bistro with Myf and Henry for a superb lunch - I think all
the Bennetts were swaying slightly though appreciative of not risking a goffer
in the food again!
We're just popped the cork on some champagne to
celebrate our arrival, and already the skipper is setting about the list of
repairs and alterations to be done! 857 miles travelled since our departure from
Deale, MD two weeks ago, and what a time we've had!
And the skipper has asked me to add that he's
incredibly impressed with his crew...well, that's a relief! He may have found
himself over the side if he'd said otherwise!
Photos...
Sailing in Bermuda...
 Alongside at the Royal Bermuda Yacht
Club...
 The eagerly anticipated lunch with Myf and
Henry...
 Opening the champagne...
 Red billed tropicbird - a variety of the wildlife
we saw while sailing...
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