A Dream Come True - Mina2 Sails Into Rio de Janeiro

Mina2 in the Caribbean - Where's The Ice Gone?
Tim Barker
Mon 15 Mar 2010 21:46

Date: 15 March 2010

Position: Marina Da Gloria, Rio De Janeiro -  22:55.16S 045:10.19W

 

Just after the Downstairs Skipper and I got married – only 31 years ago, but what seems like a lifetime – I was taken by her to meet the outlaws in Buenos Aires. On the way, we stopped over at Rio de Janeiro. I was captivated. Overlooked by the massive figure of Cristo Redentor, arms outstretched atop the Corcovado, planted amongst verdant mountains and surrounded by spectacular beaches with the evocative names of Copacabana and Ipanema, the entrance to one of the most beautiful island-dotted harbours of the world is dominated by the Pão de Açúcar, Sugarloaf Mountain. It is indescribably beautiful. I dreamed that one day I would sail my own yacht into Rio de Janeiro, the Cidade Maravilhosa – the Marvelous City. But it was a pipe-dream. One of those unachievable ambitions, it was the unreachable star.

 

But today, that dream came true. With tears in my eyes (really) with my best friend, wife and DS (all the same person) at my side, accompanied once again by Andy Williams belting out The Impossible Dream, Mina2 sailed my dream into reality as we coasted into Rio harbour.