Bermuda Day

Neroli
Charles Tongue
Mon 24 May 2010 17:28

32:17.4N 64:47.3W

We have moved again and if you zoom in on the map you should see a good image of the Royal Bermuda Yacht Club. You’ll also see a large square haven; we’re tucked stern on into the west side, well-sheltered from the easterlies that are building in strength as the low pressure system comes through.

The forecast says the wind will peak at around 45 knots on Tuesday but will then diminish steadily and begin to shift toward the west. We think and hope that the window will open for us by Thursday morning.

Meanwhile, we must admit that being forced to visit Bermuda has been very agreeable. We’ve seen a bit of the island in between getting Neroli in the right place and the right condition for a quick getaway when the time comes.

Our island friends have been very hospitable and helpful. A highlight was a dinner organized by Elspeth Brewin. Among a great group of other guests was Hartley Watlington – a contact of Paddy’s through blog-following friends in South Carolina. Hartley had been awaiting us with information and contacts when we arrived in Bermuda.

Today is Bermuda Day: an annual holiday, celebrated with a parade, a bike race, a marathon and of course a sailing event. Unfortunately, the wind and the rain have cast a bit of a damper on the proceedings (including cancelling the sailing) but everyone is still enjoying a day off.

Tomorrow, assuming we don’t suddenly find an early weather window, the blog will respond to several requests for more information about the food on board. Non-foodies can look again on Wednesday by which time we should have all kinds of interesting and technical sailing and weather information to report.