Arrived in St. Lucia, West Indies

Escapada
Andreas Haas
Sat 12 Dec 2009 14:44
14.04.32N    060.56.55W
 
ESCAPADA arrived safely and joyously in St. Lucia, West Indies on Thursday 10 December at 0616 after completing her 2750
journey across the big blue Atlantic and is now safely moored at Rodney Bay Marina.  It was an exhilarating, emotional feeling to cross
the finish line. We raced all night on a starboard tack with both the Mainsail and Genoa out reaching speeds of over 10 knots !! 
With Captain Flagpole and Neil on watch, we were blasting towards St. Lucia in the starry and half-moon light of the night. First, the lights
of Martinique and later St. Lucia became visible in the distance which provided a good helming reference point. Neil was the first to yell:
"Land Ahoy" and seeing land right ahead, a rush of adrenalin went through all of us. As the sun was rising, we rounded the northern point
of St.Lucia and finally crossed the Finish Line with yells of joy, happiness, accomplishment and some regret that it was already over.
 
 
 
                                 
 
                         THE LAST NIGHT AT SEA: BLASTING INTO ST.LUCIA              BEARDED PIRATES ABOUT TO CONQUER RODNEY BAY
 
 
                                  
  
                                   ESCAPADA UNDER FULL SAIL                                                             YES, WE DID IT...!
 
 
                                     
                                  
                                   CROSSING THE FINISH LINE                                                                BOYS "ON THE EDGE"
                   
 
 
Once over the line, we dropped anchor in Rodney Bay where, in line with an old sailing tradition, we threw the Captain overboard and then
joined him for a long awaited and glorious swim and "bob".  This was followed by a hearty breakfast of omelets, bacon and a bottle of
Champagne, a breakfast truly fit for the accomplished transatlantic sailors we had become. Afterwards, we simply enjoyed the peace of
doing nothing, the tranquility of the morning and consecutive cans of cold beer. This was followed by an extended afternoon Siesta. Finally,
in the early evening, we proceeded to the Marina, where we berthed and got our much deserved and much anticipated Rum Punches.
 
                                 
 
                          BOBBIE FINALLY GETS TO DO SOME BOBBING                         OUR FIRST CONTACT WITH THE LOCAL NATIVES
 
 
                                                    
 
                                             THE BOYS HAVE ARRIVED!                                                THE PROMISED RUM PUNCHES
 
Now it is time to get some good rest and prepare for a series of arrival parties and the final prize-giving ceremony hosted by the ARC
Regatta Committe, before everybody flies home to Europe and a "normal" life. Over the next few days, the Captain will also have
ESCAPADA fully serviced and prepared for the continuation of his voyage, which will take him and his yacht to some of the most
beautiful Caribbean Islands during the coming months. 
 
For our remaining time here in St.Lucia, we will continue to inform you of the ongoing arrival celebrations every other day, or so.
Keep watching the blog! Thanks for all of your feedback and morale support throughout our journey.