Charlie, the skipper, has owned Neroli since she was built in 1999 and has sailed for most of his life but more extensively since he retired. Since signing up for the ARC he has been busy with the project, first moving Neroli from Dubrovnik where she was based for three years to Barcelona where she was re-rigged and refitted. In July this year he sailed Neroli the 1,500 miles out of the Med and down to Lanzarote via Cartagena, Gibraltar, PortoSanto, Madiera, the Saelvagem Islands. Charlie, as the picture shows, is never happier than when he is on his knees; in the engine room, or servicing the ship's  loos. He is a computer and technical wizard and commands a very well run ship!

 

Lou, Charlie's sister is, in her 'real life' a busy veterinary surgeon and Mum. She and her husband Nick and son Charlie arrived yesterday evening just in time for the Tobago Carnival Party. She was responsible for the  crew's outfits and photographs will follow tomorrow! Lou immediately threw herself into listing and packing all the ship's medicines - she is Neroli's chief medical officer! Lou has extensive sailing experience including two legs of the Millennium Challenge race from Tobago to Tahiti and Mauritius to the UK via Brazil.

 

 

Henry, Charlie's son, has been travelling for a year in South and North America on an extended honeymoon and will be joined in St Lucia by his wife Lauren. Henry has made a fantastic job of planning our meals for the crossing, shopping, stocking the boat and preparing and freezing meals for everyone, Henry has cruised extensively on Neroli and cut his catering teeth over a couple of winters in ski chalets. As the photograph shows Henry has had a special haircut for this voyage - as a surprise treat for his father!!

 

Graham, the final member of the crew, is a friend of Charlie's and has his own yacht which he sailed from Devon to Dubrovnik with his wife Jan this summer. Graham's tasks on board include sail handling, boatswain's work and other unskilled jobs. One of these is to write the blog but at least he gets the chance to choose the photographs although the skipper has suggested that he may exercise some editorial control! Jan will be flying out to StLucia with Francoise, Nick, Charlie, Lou's mother and Lauren to greet us when we arrive.

 

In our shore support team Francoise, Charlie's wife has been performing miracles - helping Henry with preparing meals, making delicious lunches and acting as our social secretary.