14:35.72N 57:56.74W

18th January 2013

Day 20

Blue skies, shining on me, nothing but blue skies, do I see.

Are we nearly there yet?  Well, yes we are.  Sometime tomorrow we’ll see St Lucia and another very welcome colour.  When we did this trip in 2010 I nearly wept with joy to see green green green.  When land first comes into sight it’s all gray and misty but as it gets closer the green starts to appear and it’s quite magical.  With a fair wind we may be in time to approach in daylight but it looks like it will be well and truly dark when we arrive.  Tony will decide whether or not we enter the marina or anchor off for the night.  The fridge is being stocked with real beer, wine, gin and tonic and the ice is being made. 

Two couples who were complete strangers 3 weeks ago have made it across the Atlantic in a small plastic box and haven’t thrown anyone over the side. Yet. I think that is quite an achievement and equal to the sailing side of the voyage.  It’s been known for sailors to hurl themselves into the sea half way across, best friends to vow if they never see each other again it’ll be too soon, and the occasional suspicious man overboard insident.  We’ve had plenty of delicious food to eat, beautiful fresh fish for the taking and cold nearly beer at night.  We’re used to having fewer showers and washing our knickers by trampling on them whilst taking a shower and slinging them on the rails to dry.  We’ve honed our skills in balancing, timing, cleaning teeth at a right angle, pouring boiling water into a mug when the boat is rolling around without spilling much, (we do this in the kitchen sink)  and making it across the saloon with plate of food without it ending up on someone’s lap.  Last night it just missed me and went over the table instead.

Today’s photo is Tony the Tiger and accomplice making sure Jane is helming correctly.