January 23

Unfortunately, the sea and wind Gods Poseidon and Aeolus were not quite finished with us. 

By 1AM Jan 23 the winds were blastedly changeable and much lighter.  The genoa went away, main came up followed by a main/jib combination to try to work with what little wind we had without the sail forever collapsing. 

With early hours of Jan 23 our easterly 15 knots returned and we tried to go back to the Genoa. 

Damn!!!!! 

The Genoa Furler jammed and no way could John Bob and Bob get her out.  Nothing to be done until we reach Rodney Bay.

The Genoa had been so useful and dependable all this way, it was unfortunate that we would have to do without it for this last bit. 

No worries, we carried on with Jib and Main, making for a smooth ride.

Bob G. was on watch at 8 AM UTC when he saw what appeared to be a large ship ahead port side.  There was no indication on AIS of ships in the area, but it still took Bob’s sleepy mind a few minutes to register that the “ship lights” were actually building lights on a St. Lucia mountainside.

LAND AHOY!

Thankfully Bob did not wake all of us right away.  He realized that we were still as much as 4 hours away from St. Lucia, no need to react yet.

Dawn broke and gradually each of us had our own Land Ahoy moment as we arrived up on deck. 

Lesley’s reaction said it all, “Are we soo excited !!!!!”

After 18 days with no sight of land or need to adjust for other boats, our navigation skills would now be tested in a different way.  Focus turned to planning a smooth approach into Rodney Bay.  We would need to maneuver through the St. Lucia Channel, which is the straight between St. Lucia and Martinique, then around Pigeon Island the final headland before Rodney Bay whilst avoiding 10 times more boats than we have seen in total since leaving Tenerife. 

Bob, Bob and Cathy were on deck at 10 AM to set our final approach to the straight.  
Instead of jibing, caution suggested a long tack instead.  So we beautifully maneuvered a 270 degree tack.  (“John would be proud”, there was no need to disturb his sleep). 

Arrival in Rodney Bay                            

John was at the helm and all crew ready at deck positions as we came into Rodney Bay.

What was that big Cat doing anchored right in the entrance channel and smack in the middle of the leading line????! 
He is not moving, we have to go around.

After being all alone on the sea for so long, it seemed to us to be fairly busy. Lots of moored boats, several more coming and going, all sizes and speed.   Right, we need to share the road again.

All was set at the Marina as Lesley confirmed our reservation.  Our man was on the finger mooring to greet us and John very calmly and efficiently tucked us in.

We Arrived and Docked at 1:01 PM UTC         Yea!!!!!

Official  trip:     Saturday noon  January 4 to Thursday morning January 23.  19 days sail time.            

Total mileage:  2914 nautical miles

High 5s all around, some jumping up and down on terra firma and then a few photos.

Champagne and potato crisps were delicious as were the long promised Bassett Licorice All Sorts. 

Celebration Rum Punches all around

First order of business was a quick wash for Timeless. 

Working on a huge energy high, we did a first round inside and out giving her a well-deserved facelift.  Oh boy, the job list is going to be long, but no matter we will get to it all. 
Now was the time for celebration!

Bob G had scouted out a great little spot in the marina bar row.  Happy Hour rum punch was a necessity, and service by a very lovely local waitress added to the fun.  Lesley could not resist the 2 for 1 special…are all those little empty glasses yours??

We shared a great meal at “Bosuns Upstairs”, a yummy Thai restaurant.

Its surreal….we actually made it, safe and sound!!!!!