May 17th Position 17:19.98N 62:00.00W

Symatchmaker
Sun 17 May 2009 19:47
Day 1
 
Virgin Airlines took us to Antigua 3800 miles  (via Bermuda) in 10hrs 40 mins. We are planning a 1700 mile cruise to the North East Coast of USA - Newport via Bermuda in 15 Days - under sail !
Matchmaker crew are Peter (Capn) Jon (Mate) Mel Chris and Mick
 
We arrived at Jolly Harbour at 5.30 pm on Friday - just in time to unpack and go to the bar for a few "sundowners" - here the Coca cola is more expensive than the Rum - so yes you guessed it the cocktails were lethal ! !
 
We all woke early ( with thick heads ) and did a precision military planned job on the supermarket.. after a very efficient few hours we got Matcmaker out of her berth and into Jolly Bay where we swam and cooled off.
 
Capn Pete introduced the safety brief ; - Everyone familiarised themselves with gear on board and we all went through the pre-departure check-list.
 
Mick prepared an excellent beef hot pot and we had a few glasses of wine to wash it down - then early to bed.
 
This morning ; up at 6.30 am - Hot Showery morning and very humid. Then last few preparations - Bimini stowed - sheets loaded. Before the official off at 10.00am.
 
By 12 noon  we were enjoying brilliant sailing conditions and currently we are making 9 knots in a 17 knot easterly breeze - perfect!
 
Everyone settling in well - and we are looking forward to our cruise.

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