The Atlantic crossing
Rubicon
Thu 17 Dec 2015 13:23
November 23
The last few weeks after the ARC+ boats was a bit more subdued. The kids made new friends including Sienna, River, Rasmus and Nico. (Catherine says about River: he’s a 2 year old but he’s cute, and nice! )We got the boat ship shape with the help of our new crew Yves. There were a lot of parties, but we barely made it to half of them, as we were approaching a state of exhaustion with the preparations, and it was hard on the kids to be up so late. Many of the social events did not get going until 9 pm, and dinner was on Spanish time, so starting at 830 or 9 pm, so many late nights.
We loaded up the boat with fruits and veggies and the freezer was full of meat. Plus we have canned provisions in case the propane stove goes on the blink.
The start on November 22 was an exciting start to the rally with approximately 200 boats leaving between the three starts from12:30 to 1pm. The wind was fresh, about 20 knots at the start,building to 30-35 knots with waves coming from the side. It wasn't the most comfortable ride at first. Many other boats were close to us, crowding the route. Some had too much sail out, and a Polish boat in particular kept heading up in an out of control manner and was in danger of crashing into us at one point! So it was all rather exciting. Then we turned the corner, and set up the dual spinnaker poles that are attached to the mast, preparing Rubicon for downwind sailing.
November 23
All went well at night, although because of the motion of the boat near the Canary Islands, it was practically impossible to sleep. And the kids have had upset stomachs…..Ziplock bags are a must on an ocean crossing to contain any mess. As the miles flew under the keel, the motion and the wind settled down. Now the wind is about 20-25 knots, and we are keeping it behind us, and heading generally in the right direction to reach St. Lucia. We have decided to follow the great circle route as the weather is predicted to be quite favourable for this one in 2015. Vlad set up the fishing line, and within 1.5 hours, we had landed a nice meal sized Mahi Mahi. It was all very exciting, and the kids were thrilled. It just doesn't get “old” to pull in your own catch of the day! So far so good.
November 25
Yesterday, we kept the wind to the back of us, and surfed down the waves, occasionally reaching 12-14 knots, so reduced sail. The waves are sometimes confused, with waves heading from behind us and others to our side from the north. There are far fewer boats around us now, and only occasionally do you see one on AIS. Passed a few container/tanker ships at night, but all went smoothly. Kids seem to be coping well. I am reading a book to them, so that is fun when they are both snuggled up to me. The “one more chapter” chorus also in play. I pass the time with my new App, Candy Crush, and listening to an audiobook, “The House of Mondavi”, about a winemaking family in Napa Valley. Pavel performed a “ Funky Monkey Dance” last night that Catherine recorded and plans to make into an iMovie. I suppose he needed to get rid of some energy. Yves made us a lovely creamy chicken with mushrooms, onions, leeks and African spices ( cinnamon, cumin, pepper, and curry powder). We still have some puddings and ice creams and a ton of fruit. Have to start eating more oranges. The avocados are quickly ripening, so need to get onto them as well as the first section of small bananas. Life on board starting to settle into a routine. So far so good.
We got the position reports for the cruising division C fleet, in which we are “racing”. Currently Raya an Oyster 56 is 2174 nm from St. Lucia, and is also taking the route that we are following. Eupraxia, a Discovery 55 is just ahead with 2192 nm to go. We are 2195 nm away and just behind us is Britican, another Oyster 56, at 2218nm away from the destination. Both Britican and Eupraxia seem to be following great circle route, but about 30 nm to the south of us. It will be very interesting to see what happens with the fleet over the next week or so. The forecast is for lighter winds for the next 2 days, at about 15 knots, and then picking up again. Currently we are flying through the water at 9 plus knots with 20-25 knot breeze directly behind us and double headsails poled out. Having beef goulash and potatoes for dinner tonight.
November 26
The night went well. We were humming along, eating up the miles at 8-10 knots in 20-25 knots of wind right behind us. Kids are working on a script for their iMovie “ Life as we know it”, and hoping that they can film it with the Kiwi Beanz kids when we get to St. Lucia. I am encouraging them as much as I can to document this trip and what it is like for them. The fruits and veggies are lasting. The wind is forecasted to be lighter for the next 48 hours. The headsails are flapping more….and every so often there is a wicked rolling motion. Less than 15 knots of true wind is not the best for sailing in this direction on Rubicon. The forecast for wind is slightly worse to the south of us, so no point in doing a reach instead, to get to even worse wind. A few of the yachts have had difficulties. One 38 footer in the racing division, Duffy, was dismasted last night after broaching is a strong gust. Another, Calypso, a new 54 Moody, is taking on water, and they are diverting to Cape Verdes. We met Ed, the PYD skipper of that boat, and wish him well and that the issue can be fixed quickly. Otherwise, we are north of Eupraxia by about 30 nautical miles, but only 1 nautical mile behind them, so the race is on!!!! Raya is 30 plus miles ahead of us, so we are 2 and 3 from a distance perspective. Oyster 56’s are in our group C, and only Britican seems to be our other contender at this point but it is early days. The bolts holding a part of our Jib roller fuller together came loose. Yves found one bolt on the deck, but the other is lost and we don't have a replacement that Vlad can find….so we have to treat her gently. Also the attachment of the genoa spinnaker pole to the mast was squeaking, as there was too much play in the system, so Vlad and Yves tightened it up and all seems to be OK. Saw another small sea bird out here this morning, over 700 nautical miles from shore. Have seen one every day. It is quite amazing how these creatures found a niche for survival in this ocean. Planning a pasta carbonara tonight. Vlad and I have colds, and he isn't feeling so well. Hopefully a rest and Tylenol will do the trick.
November 27
Last night was a time of disappointment and stress. Yves had noticed that bolt on the deck, and the wind was low. In the 10-13 range. With the twin headsails out, they were flapping obnoxiously, wearing themselves out with each bang of the forestay. We didn't have much choice, the way we saw it, and to help reduce the flapping of the genoa, the thought of switching around the headsails was tossed into conversation, but it was dusk, and perhaps better to wait until the dawn. The forecasts weren't looking promising and Vlad, feeling like it was worth getting every mile out of the wind while we had it, decided to change around the sails again. Our genoa is larger than the jib, so having it on the “correct side” for the wind angle was the call. The reason for the change also was that the wind had shifted, and therefore a change to increase the miles was needed. So in the dark, Vlad and Yves changed over the sails. Then because of the flapping and the wind direction, Vlad and I rolled up the jib, intending to do a broad reach. But there was something wrong with the jib when it was rolling up. Vlad went to investigate, and found a problem with a part of the guide of the furling line. At this point Vlad indicated that we don't have a working furler, that the race was over and that we might have to divert to Cape Verdes. He went below and looked at the manual. I checked on the kids. Catherine was awake, and overheard some of the discussion. She was worried. I told her we might have to go to the Cape Verdes. She just wanted to be able to see the Kiwi Beanz again. At this point I went to sleep, to prepare for my 3am to 6 am watch. When I awoke, Vlad had fixed it! So the race was on again. The boat was now reaching at 8 knots in 13 knots of wind. No rolling. I made bread and cinnamon rolls! Pavel in heaven and Yves said they were the best he has ever tasted, although being French I do wonder if these are the first ones he has ever tasted! Being on a broad reach has significantly improved the motion of the boat, so using the bread maker possible. And sleeping much easier. Then we got the weather reports and things look like they will stay somewhat the same, which is fine by me:)
Then we noticed Eupraxia in the distance!!!!! We have detected a few boats on AIS in the past 3 days, but haven’t actually seen one. It is really interesting that we are so close together. When we got the ARC report on the locations of the boats, we are 2nd in our class with Raya way ahead with 1814 nm to go, we have 1872 nm to go and Eupraxia has 1873 miles to go. One of the Oyster 56’s is doing well, El Mundo and have 1902 left, and since we owe them time, we will be keeping our eyes on their progress. All in all, we realized that the most important thing is to get to St Lucia, and not to have to turn around. The rest is icing on the cake.
Vlad now pouring over the GRIB weather files for the next 6 days over the mid Atlantic ocean. There looks to be a great expanse in the middle with no wind. We can't really go North to get the wind, as Vlad feels we should have done that at the very beginning for it to be a decent strategy, so it looks like we will chase the wind south. If we keep moving and it gets warmer I certainly won't complain.
Kids seem happy. They are helping me with Candy Crush, playing and reading on the iPads, and I am reading a book to them, The Elementia Chronicles. They continue to make iMovies and hopefully Cath will keep up with the script. We better find the Kiwi Beanz again, as Catherine has made elaborate houses for Lowen and Theo, and is in the process of making one for Reuben.
Generator is on. We have all had showers, and I am doing laundry. Time to sign out until tomorrow.
November 28th
Last night we sailed on a reach south, but with the wind veering, we at times were only making less than 3 knots of VMG (velocity made good). So we put out the double headsails, and went downwind for a while in a more westerly direction. The moon was rising, but was obscured by a very large cloud. Then the wind shifted, making a reach a better option, meaning that we would roll in the jib and pull out the main sail. Only problem was, that this wind shift was the result of an approaching squall! Vlad ensured I was ready to reduce sail in a jiffy, and then the squall hit, and we madly reduced the backwinded jib, and started going in a south direction downwind( 90 degree difference in wind angle). Once that was over, Vlad went to bed and there was a lull, and when we were just bobbing around, up came Yves, thinking we should put the motor on. As Vlad said to wait a bit before deciding anything, we held off, and just as Yves was about to throw in the towel so to speak, up piped the wind, and off we went. We keep having a joke about being patient. When one of us wants to get moving, the others suggest patience, and it always seems to work. Because of our issues with the jib roller fuller, Vlad and Yves took down the jib this morning and replaced the bolt that we found on the deck. Vlad emailed John E from Discovery and we are ordering a replacement and hopefully it will be there in St. Lucia when we arrive. It was a tough slog for the boys, re jib handling, and they were treated to an ice cold St Miguel from the fridge for their efforts. I had one too. Then a nice relaxing day. Warm winds, lightish, 10-15 knots, and we are heading directly downwind and towards the west and making about 5-5.5 VMG. Of course we miss the 20-25 knots and the 185 nm days, but are settling for 150 nm/d at this point. The GRIB files are suggesting a light day tomorrow everywhere, and then an almost complete lack of wind in the north through Monday and into Tuesday. Hopefully the southern route will pay off for us, and we make it to St Lucia before Christmas:)
As far as the fleet is concerned, Eupraxia, who chose the northern route, is now 30 miles closer to Rodney Bay than we are although it looks like we went about the same distance in miles yesterday. Raya had another 175 nm day….are they motoring? And El Mundo is just a bit behind us and just south of us and we really need to keep ahead of her as she is now our biggest competitor for the next days until we see which gamble, north or south, payed off for the fleet. Saw Vitesse and Quin on AIS last night, but nothing at all today, not even a bird.
Took some great photos at sunrise this morning, while avoiding squalls. Saw a rainbow. Saw flying fish. Warm winds and flat seas. Its been delightful. Kids watching Despicable Me. I have been reading Pacific by Simon Winchester, listening to The Mondavis about the Napa Valley wine family, and playing Candy Crush. Making Tacos tonight for dinner, and have watch 12-3 am.
November 29 AM
The frustration of low to no wind has overtaken Rubicon. We are more south and the sun is intense and the temperature is much warmer. I have my swimsuit on again. Last night we continued to sail downwind in 10-14 knots of wind, until it totally died. Then motored from about 3 30 am. Vlad tried to sail again, but it was of no use. We can motor for at least 800 miles, but that is about 4 24 hour periods. We have 1600 nm to go, so need to find wind at some point. It isn't looking good in the short term. For several days at least, it is pretty bleak. But most of the fleet is in the same situation. Hopefully Vlad will get on the SSB net this afternoon to find out what is going on with everyone else. Did not see one other boat even on AIS for the past 24 hours. We are at least 4 days motoring from the nearest land and are on our own out here. Vlad setting up fishing gear, and if we could land a fresh fish, it might make our day. I saw a bird flying out here this morning. Incredible. I gave Pavel another toy today, a Bionicle, and he is very happy. His remaining front tooth is on its last legs, and the gum is receding on the lateral aspect, and it is crooked, giving him a grin of a zombie or a jack-o lantern. He is missing Debby, and was a little hard to settle last night, but Vlad snuggled with him, and he fell fast asleep. Catherine is madly creating Reuben’s house and a rollercoaster in her Minecraft world. Time to put on the air con, make more cinnamon rolls, do laundry and either watch a movie or use the time to make a book out of my photos…….Liking the solitude and the peacefulness of it all. Just hoping we find a breeze.
Discussed weather with Vlad. He feels that if the GRIB files are correct, we are motoring all day. He is happy we went south, as it looks even worse up north. The northern folks might be wishing in a few days they took the southerly option.
December 2
It has been a rough couple of days. We motored more south, putting in about 28 hours on the engine, to get near wind. The wind picked up a bit so we sailed. Then on the morning of the 30th, Vlad started the engine, and there was no forward or backward propulsion!!!! So Vlad and Yves had to go diving, to see what was the problem. The engine itself was OK. The prop was there, but it was stuck in a half folded position, not enough to make and headway, but to open to stop it from rotating when sailing. They tried everything they could, and it appeared that a piece of rubber from the prop ( a rubber spacer) was stuck in the folding gears. Vlad emailed John to see if he had any ideas, and the next day Vlad went over again, after having thought about the mechanism. He devised a contraption to give him more leverage and had new ideas about what angle to push the propellers, but there was quite a bit of movement of the boat in the water, and he just couldn't safely dive under the boat. He was getting exhausted. So out he came. This is really a pain, as we cannot motor out of harms way now, get through patches of no wind, and will have to get a tow into the marina when we arrive in Rodney Bay. Also there is drag from the prop which slow us down, probably adding at least a day to the journey( or more if we are unlucky). Also there is a rattle in our back cabin from the prop rotating and the turbulence it creates, a constant reminder of this serious issue…….
We also needed to switch ends of the lines to the Genoa and Jib because of chafing, and Vlad had to be lifted in the bosuns chair to get to the genoa sheet attachment. At one point he was hanging there, moving from side to side, hanging over the ocean…..thankfully he got it done and was back safely on the deck. Later on he also needed to do it for the jib sheet, and the knot was very difficult to release…so it was a difficult day for Vlad in particular and emotions were running high. Then we had to switch the genoa and jib sails to take best advantage of the wind direction, which was another trial, and Vlad got quite frustrated with me. Yves helped out, and I was in the cockpit when suddenly the fishing line started to run…..I called out Fish Fish Fish and the kids came running up to the cockpit, completely excited about getting another fish. I called to Vlad, and to slow down the boat…it took him a bit to understand what was happening as they were trying to change the sail configuration, but when he finally heard fish, that was the end of the sails, and on to slowing down the boat and getting the fish landed and onboard. It was a larger fish, according to Vlad when he was reeling it in, and there it was a 4 foot Mahi Mahi. It was beautiful in the water, a bright turquoise blue colour. It was too big for our net so Vlad gaffed it in the gills and got it into the “bathtub”. Eventually it succumbed to the Gordon’s Gin ( that I had bought for this purpose in the Canary Islands, as it was in a plastic bottle so would not break if it fell in the chaos of a fish landing). Vlad filleted the thing and we have at least 3 meals of fish. We had already prepared dinner, so it will be pan fried Mahi Mahi with lemon butter sauce for dinner tomorrow.
Last night the kids were wild, and would not go to sleep. With the stress of having no workable prop/engine propulsion, and all of the jobs, we were all of us adults anyway, exhausted and in need of sleep. Catherine and Pavel we playing in their cabin when Pavel’s front tooth fell out!!! Now he really can sing “ All I want for Christmas is my two front teeth!!” and mean it:) The tooth fairy cant come unless everyone is asleep, but I “fell asleep” on watch and the tooth fairy left Pavel 3 US dollars!
Other than the prop stress, the days are warm, and the wind has been 14-20 knots for the past 2 days. We are more than half way there, and if this keeps up, and nothing else serious goes wrong, all will be OK. It is very pleasant to spend the days like this, reading, sleeping, making food, hanging out. In general the motion of the boat in the past days has been great, not overly rolly. I havent needed any seasick medicines, and we all seem to have our sea legs. I used a scopolamine patch for the first 4 days and haven't had a problem since. Kids also had no issues after the first 2 days. Am hoping that the winds keep filling in, and that we make it to St Lucia in the next 10 days.
December 3
The wind picked up over the last 12 hours as well as the swell. The sea state is creating very rolly conditions. Yesterday, we were passed by El Mundo, confirming our at least 0.5 knot reduction in boat speed. They seem to be doing very well, and we’ll see them a day or two after they arrive in St Lucia. Also discovered that Toothless was behind us, and the boys, Pavel and Banjo, had a nice chat and plan to get together in St Lucia to pay lego. Pavel also let them know about his tooth, and that the tooth fairy came to Rubicon. We are really making good progress, going 7-8 knots and the miles are passing behind us with regularity. We will achieve 999 miles to go today and night celebrate with a beer and a photograph. The Mahi Mahi last night was delicious pan fried and I made home made fish fingers out of it with golden crumbs for Pavel and he inhaled them all( about 8 of them). Hard to sleep with the whirring and the banging of the rotating prop in the back, but you start to not even hear it if you get tired enough. John E from Discovery has contacted Rodney Bay Marina and we are in the process of arranging a tow and a life to fix the prop as soon as we arrive. Once again, Discovery has been there for us when we needed them. Amazing! Time for my watch. Hopefully will continue to fly through the Atlantic without further delay.
December 4
I am on watch, the 6-9 am shift. We have been working on UTC time, so at the current time on the boat of 8:21 am, it is pitch black, and in reality, is the middle of the night. We are probably working 3 hours ahead of time, as we are travelling west, and crossing time zones without adjusting our clock. This way, we have more time at night, to prepare dinner, to eat together and socialize, and get into the watch cycle. We have been moving well for the past 24 hours, with winds mostly in the 20-25 knot range, although now, the wind has lessened, and is now running more 15-20, with a subsequent reduction in speed to about 6-7 knots/hour. It was impossible to sleep tonight, with the rough motion of the boat due to the large rollers coming at us from behind. I plan on crawling into Catherine’s upper bunk bed in 40 minutes from now to try to rest. The stress of the prop, the vibrations it creates, and the waves are making it very hard to sleep/rest. I tried to sleep yesterday afternoon, but the kids wanted to snuggle, and I couldn't help but joining tin on the fun when they started to take funny photos and roughhouse in my bed! The kids were very good yesterday, and Catherine just lights up when I mentioned that I noticed her excellent behaviour. Only issue, was when I asked her to throw an empty bottle of pasta sauce overboard, she managed to make a mess and spray Pavel’s arm and back with the remnants of the tomatoes and spices! She just can't do anything without making a mess or spilling a drink. I crawled into her bunk for a few minutes before this watch, and I had to move books, toys etc out of the way to be able to lie down. The kids slept in the saloon, as I had let them watch a movie until 1030, and they managed to settle down better there, as I was on watch. It has almost been two completed weeks. I am not “sick” of the boat although it would be great to not worry and get a good nights sleep. Am getting a bit of sore muscles from sitting all of the time, and a sore back from the sleeping position. Did some stretches to see if it would help. Have been listening to an audiobook, am reading a few novels about the Atlantic and Pacific, and was looking at my iTunes U university course lectures. Not much else to say. The wind is supposed to keep up this 20 knot pace until Tuesday( 3 or 4 more days) then down to 15. We hope to get to St Lucia on the 9th or 10th. It will be such a relief, to make it without needing to be rescued, and avoid CNN.
We already have the AOK for a lift and tow when we arrive, which does ease the stress. Keeping fingers crossed and said a few Our Fathers.
PM: Still trucking along. 795 nm to go! The rolling is getting on everyone’s nerves. The prop vibrations are getting on Vlad’s and my nerves. It is about 2 weeks on the boat, and it is a funny thing. One day, you are content, to read, to play to watch a movie, but the next, enough! get me off so I can have a good nights sleep for once! The sea state sets you up for rest or not. None of the adults have slept well for at least 2 nights. I dont remember the last time I felt like I really slept. It also makes for short tempers and easy frustrations.
We got our 12 noon positions, and to my surprise, El Mundo was a bit behind us after overtaking us about 2 days ago. They called us on the VHF just as I was about to call them, and it turns out their main traveller “blew up” so they have been sailing under jib alone for 18 hours and just recently jury rigged the main so they can get a bit more speed. They gave us great ideas about the prop, and it was lovely to hear from them.
December 5
It has been another eventful day and a half
The prop was getting worse and worse. Vlad and I were sleeping less and less. the vibration was getting to be a serious concern with 4-5 days left and over 700 nm to go. The sea state looked a bit worrying as every 5 or 10 minutes or so there was a string of much higher waves coming through. This was an issue, because there was no way for Vlad to stop the prop shaft rotating from inside the boat, so the decision was made to dive under the boat and attach a rope around the blades to stop the rotation. I wasn't very happy about the whole situation. I was worried about the boat and that we count sleep. I hadn't slept for 2 days straight, and finally had crashed on the salon cushions with Pavel. Vlad even stepping into to do my watch so I could get a bit more sleep. I wasn't thrilled about Vlad or Yves jumping into the Atlantic with 20 knots of wind and waves in the middle of nowhere. But Vlad made the decision that it was necessary to get a rope tied around the prop. So at around 1 pm, when the wind was forecasted to be a bit lighter, we rolled in the two foresails and turned the boat to slow it down. We managed to get it to 0.3-0.7 knots. Yves volunteered to jump in. The guys made the plans, and then over the side he went. Once the rope was of the correct length, he was able to get it wrapped around two of the blades, and Voila, no more vibrations!!!! We were all smiles again. It is so much better to just be considering getting a tow and lift out on arrival rather than the prop and gear vibrating apart piece by piece. Beers were opened in celebration!!!
Watch last night was 6-9 pm and 3am-6am for me. On the night watch I put on the music on my iPhone and sang songs for 3 hours, knowing that everyone else was sound asleep and wouldn't hear me. I read a book as well and played Candy Crush. It was very dark. That makes it a bit creepy but also is better for seeing lights. There wasn't a light to be seen. We are all alone out here…..
I made a Tikka Masala curry for dinner with Basmati rice, and condiments including banana, diced tomatoes and onions and mango chutney. And for myself a dollop of Lime pickle. Yummy!!! Then this morning, after getting enough sleep, I made another batch of cinnamon rolls to the delight of the crew. The kids were bickering and being difficult this am, but now after being fed, all quiet and civilized again. We are now 500 plus miles from St Lucia and might arrive on the 9th as the weather forecast now is predicting strong trades until later on Tuesday. Exactly what we need! Until tomorrow…..
December 7
We are in the 300nm range from St Lucia, and we are all tired and ready to step back onto land. Last night we had panfried Mahi Mahi with Gratin Potatoes made by Yves. The watches were full of squalls squalls and more squalls. My first watch was during a squall, where we were heading 330 degrees instead of 270 or so, and Vlad helped me for a while, then Yves came up, during the lull after the storm, and tried a bunch of things to stop the sails from flapping and to get us moving, but to no avail! Then the trades filled in again, and off we went at 19-25 knots at 275 degrees for the rest of my watch. I then went to bed for 5.5 hours ( I gave Vlad a 30 minute break) and up again for the next squally watch with gusting session to 25-27 knots over and over. Vlad came on at 6 UTC and just as he was taking over, the gusts went up to 33 knots, so he reduced the sail a bit, and he was rained on for 3 hours. Just after he signed off to Yves, out came the sun! Vlad then set the two fishing rods after we saw a Mahi Mahi jumping, and wouldn't you know it, after a while, both rods went at the same time, first the port, then 15 seconds later the starboard. Both were heavy fish. Yves slowed down the boat by shortening the sails, and I was manhandling one of the rods, but the fish was fighting it big time! The Yves took over, and Vlad and Yves each pulled in a large Mahi Mahi!!! ( 4 feet or so long?) So we now have fish for a month, or at least 5 large meals. This fish is so tasty that Catherine asked for seconds yesterday and even Pavel ate it! He wants to have it tonight too! Vlad skinned and prepped the fish after each of the boys filleted their catch of the day, and I cleaned up the aftermath in the kitchen. Now about to go on watch again. Am not feeling the best. Might be dehydrated, might be tired, might be a bit sea sick. Vlad will cook tonight and Ill make a tomato Artichoke salad with pesto that mom suggested to me before the crossing. Hopefully we will get to Rodney Bay early evening on the 9th, or by the 10th at the latest.
December 9
Less than 100 nm to go!!!!Pretty much everyone else in our category, or at least the ones we were tracking have arrived in Rodney Bay. We are slowly inching our way towards the coasts of the windwards Islands of Martinique and St Lucia, which we will pass between, leaving Barbados to port. Getting 5 knots/hr out of the wind is good at this point! We hauled out the Fois Gras last pm, I made an artichoke appetizer and we had a beer for dinner. Yves made crepes, and we had lemon/sugar crepes and Nutella crepes for dessert. The kids are just barely holding it together, and we are all weary from the 17 days on the sea, without one full night of uninterrupted sleep. Vlad managed to “fish” the Spain flag down from the mast, and we put up the St Lucia flag and the yellow quarantine one as well. It is looking like we will make it into port before the evening of December 10th, hopefully in time to get hauled out or towed into the marina, to repair the prop and we are hoping it is a straight forward fix with the rubber spacers that we have in our spares. Going to haul out the lasagna to avoid the dreaded cooking with a rolly sea. It is quite rolly as we aren't going very fast, and this makes it worse. Have been hoping for a fish, but all we seem to be snagging seaweed, which becomes more and more abundant the closer you are the Caribbean. Did laundry. Ate crepes for breakfast, made baguette sandwiches for lunch. Air con in all sleeping cabins when generator on( 4 hours a day). Had a shower. Prepped Pavel’s plantar wart. Read a little. Looking at Caribbean anchorages. Very excited about arriving, but the let down has already started in that we are having a heck of a time getting up to do our night watches. We are tired. And very annoyed by all of the rolling:) The kids are getting excited by the thought that we have crossed the Atlantic. Both kids currently reading independently. Pavel reading Ricky Ricotta and Catherine, one of her many novels, likely for the second or third time. I am melting in the heat wearing a bathing suit and that is it:) Very much hoping that we get there tomorrow. Cant wait to find out how everyone else's journey went. Kids dying to see the kids from Kiwi Beanz again. We hope they are there still after finishing ARC+. I am sure there will be many stories to tell.
December 17
We arrived after daybreak on December 10th, as the wind and current pushed us faster than expected to shore. Crossed the finish line, and anchored under sail in Rodney Bay. Opened up a bottle of Champagne and celebrated. Went for a swim, and dove off the back of the boat. The Kiwi Beanz were watching for us, and when we didn't arrive, they found us in their dinghy and gave us fresh bread and chocolate croissants! Vlad got a ride into shore to get the haul out arranged. It was a great feeling to have arrived. The shore was beautiful and green. We got a tow to the haul out facility, and I took the ships papers and passports and did the customs and immigration paperwork. Vlad and Yves worked on the prop, but they became discouraged when they couldn't get the jammed section of the prop apart. Vlad finally got out the small BBQ lighter we had, and almost instantly, the rubber melted/turned into dust and the prop was fixable:) Arrived to D5 slip, and was greeted by the ARC team with rum punch and a fruit basket. It was an amazing experience, and it already seems like a dream.