DAY 22 (5 December 2009)

ARRIVAL

Captain  K writes:

Forty miles out and we had the Trade Winds we had been promised – a steady 15 knots from the north east. There was a lot of anticipation – any moment there would be land. It’s hard to describe what this feels like but the moment when something solid, geological, finally crystallized on the horizon (14:00), I felt as excited as I have ever felt. The outline of something – the same kind of outline that Columbus and all the countless Atlantic adventurers have seen since – it just takes the breath away. Colin reached for his book – an expert in the long wait that sailing always delivers. That moment you first see the coast – and the five hours it then takes to reach the mooring.

This was a big one:  dark came in quickly and there was no moon. Orion was on our right shoulder as it has been the whole way. But there was this island to the north with place names like Nelson’s Harbour and Falmouth. Fair enough, we have GPS and not just brute luck but you feel the pull of history when you pass the south coast of Antigua as the sun is setting.

This has been the most amazing journey – four men have risen to a demanding challenge and we are all still speaking. The boat looked after us – in fact, she performed brilliantly.

We arrived at 21:15, officially. And all thanks to Miss Tippy - who guided us in the dark to the customs pontoon.

RWD intends to write a wrap up (when he wakes up) and I’d like to give an enormous thank you to all who donated to Asthma UK for the crossing. Kit, who suffers from Asthma, had no symptoms while we sailed. But it is an enormously important cause and the fundraising is hugely appreciated. For those who have not yet had the chance to donate please visit www.justgiving.com/atlanticoceansail.