16 April 2015

It has been a long time between diary entries as reality struck and we had to return to the unknown world of “work” to fund the next adventure across the Pacific.

After putting Providence safely to bed in Bahia de Caraquez, Ecuador, Matt enjoyed some recreation and family-catch-ups in Columbia and Australia, before returning to South America as Captain on the Antarctica charter yacht “Spirit of Sydney”.  Having previously enjoyed the Antarctic Peninsula on Providence, Matt had the challenge and enjoyment of taking paying clients to and from the ice on three charters.  After delivering Spirit of Sydney to Buenos Aires for the winter season, Matt returned to Ecuador for yet more sailing..

Meanwhile Rohan returned to the UK via Sweden for a wedding (once again, BIG thanks Linda and Chris!!).  Rohan returned to his last job based in Scotland working as an offshore surveyor in the North Sea.  Not the most pleasant place in the middle of winter, but needs must and a good time was had working with professionals and also catching up with friends in Inverness and London.  Thanks all.

At the end of March it was time to return to the boat and Rohan rendezvoused with Carolina whom we had previously met in Puerto Montt, Chile.  Carolina’s welcome to Providence was helping to deal with a yacht that had been left for six months on mooring buoys.  As any boat owner would know this was not something to look forward to!  Fortunately for all, the boat’s condition was a lot better than expected (Matt and Rohan had been having nightmares as to what we would find!), and all the preparation has slowly but surely been coming together.

With our planned departure date approaching, our final crew member - Diletta from Italy – joined the good ship Providence.  Diletta will help crew from mainland Ecuador to Galapagos, then explore what the Galapagos archipelago has to offer.

In between countless jobs we have managed to see a bit more of Ecuador, the highlight been catching up with friends from Santa Marianita where we had been kitesurfing in 2013.  Great people – we love Ecuador!

As always we have made some fantastic new friends at the marina and look forward to catching up with fellow westward bound cruisers across the Pacific, and we wish the best of luck to those heading south for Chile and beyond – thanks to all for your company and help.  It should be an amazing year.

Finally, if all goes to plan we should be setting sail this afternoon (16 Apr) and getting to Galapagos in around a week.  Once we arrive we will send an update with some photos of the crossing and the last couple of weeks.

Great to be back! – Rohan, Matt, Carolina & Diletta