13:56N 59:26W the sun sets on the voyage of T 2 da Q

Tranquilizer
Sail Ionian
Sun 12 Dec 2010 22:09
Dear all,

As the sun goes down for us here this evening (another stunning sunset) we
realise that it is also going down on our transatlantic adventure. The last
few days have seen pathetic winds and uncomfortably hot sun, but all of a
sudden we find ourselves busy cleaning the boat and packing our things, in
preparation for our arrival in Rodney Bay tomorrow. We've been getting
excited about arriving, but it now seems the time is rushing by and our
amazing trip is all too quickly coming to an end.

We've been reflecting on the highs and lows of the last three weeks, but
we're struggling to think of any lows, apart from the lack of trade winds
(they're a myth!!).

Highs include:

Various sea life, including dolphins, whales, turtles, fish (both flying and
for dinner) and diving gannets.
Incredible sunsets and sunrises.
Stunning night skies with crystal-clear constellations (no light pollution)
and shooting stars.
Michelin-standard dining; far better than any of us expected.
Quiz rounds with Phoebe B.
Half-way day celebrations.
Saturday night film night.
Cold cans of coke from the fridge.
Robin's attempt at a sunscreen tattoo.
A veritable floating sweet-shop of a boat.
Reading in the shade of the genoa.
And, last but by no means least, a great crew providing great company.

We currently have just 74 nautical miles to go, meaning we should arrive
around 7 am local time, which is 11 am GMT. Incredibly, after approximately
3,200 miles, we should arrive within a couple of hours of our sister boat
Phoebe B, which took a different route. Iced cold rum punches all round! We
had hoped to arrive today, but Ninky is at least pleased as it looks like
she'll win the bet of when we'll arrive, and will win a free dinner from the
rest of the crew (lobster please!).

Neil, Scott, Lee and I would like to say a big thank you to our skipper Rich
and our first mate Robin, who have worked really hard during the trip, have
been incredibly patient with our varying levels of experience and who have
made the crossing an absolute pleasure. May have to buy them a cold beer
each tomorrrow!

We hope everyone at home has enjoyed reading the blog and keeping up to date
with what has been happening (you don't know the half of it!), and prepare
yourselves for endless slideshows of photos upon our return.

At this point I would also like to say congrats to Neil, who, touch wood,
looks like he'll actually make it across this time!

(At this point I would also like to say congrats to Ninky, who has put up
with 5 guys who have clearly been at sea for too long! - Neil)

We've just been clearing out the fridge, scrubbing the bulk heads, washing
down the lockers and bilges, and wondering how the sleeping bags ever fitted
in their original tiny cases. Up on deck in a moment for a much-anticipated
glass of wine, as we watch the moon come up for the last time, and then
nightwatches begin as usual (we won't miss them!). We're all looking forward
to proper beds and showers and chilled beers in St Lucia, but it may be a
while before we get used to having to walk again, standing in rooms that
don't throw you about, and not waking up every three hours.

Thanks for all the support from friends and family at home, and over and out
for the last time.

With love,
Neil and Ninky xx

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