Day 20
Day 20 Saturday 12th December That’s it then - job done – what
next? Facts and
Figures 1 boat 6 crew 1 Atlantic
crossing 19 Days 21 Hours 33 Minutes 8
Seconds 2,990 nautical miles
recorded 100% sailing 0%
Motoring 1 tuna and 5 mahi-mahi caught and
eaten Several flying fish and 1 squid landed on
deck 1,170 litres of fresh water made from sea water and
used/consumed 80 engine hours used to charge the
batteries Countless dolphins 2 whales 1,000’s of photos/video
clips Good
Points Unbeatable star gazing.We can now identify virtually any
constellation and most navigable stars. Fantastic
sunrises/sunsets Nobody got ill/injured except the fish who all suffered
terminal injuries Beautiful trade winds Half way there party Swimming 1,000 miles from
anywhere Hearing the fishing line scream off the
reel The crew are all still
friends Bad
Points 1 very nasty storm with thunder and lightning that lasted
8 hours Several squalls but they seemed like nothing after the
storm The tuna went on for
ever Sleep deprivation Relentless rolling Breakages/Damage VHF ariel came adrift at mast
head Mainsail bolt rope jammed in luff
groove Mainsail block needs
replacing Everything else ok so only trivial damage/breakages
compared to some boats which lost their rigs/rudders and were abandoned
/sunk. Highlights The whale who stayed and played with us for over an
hour The start where thousand of people turned out to cheer us
off. The voice on the VHF at the finishing line who said
“Congratulations Peejay – you have now successfully completed your Atlantic
Crossing” Those words will stay with me for a very long
time. Crossing the finishing line at dawn at high speed with a
professional photographer taking pictures of us from a rib. Everyone on board
cheering and shouting. Rum punch being handed to us literally as we stepped
ashore in Thanks To the ARC organisers who have put together a terrific
package. To the crew – you have all been fantastic – and met and
overcome your demons To Nick for helping to move Peejay from Corfu to
And finally to Wolfgang. Without you the boat would never
have been ready. I am in your debt my friend. We have just drunk your champagne
– thanks. The beers are on me in Finally a few more magic
moments
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