20 th Dec 2006. Its all over now.
Fleck
Wed 20 Dec 2006 17:42
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At 15.50 hours UT, 11.50 hours St Lucia time,
we crossed the finishing line, a blast from the committee boat (poor folk, we
were only the second boat to come in today), and after an hour or so we came
into the marina to be met by an amazing reception: nearly all our 'friends'
seemed to know of our arrival, and it was a remarkable and quite emotional
experience. We managed to berth without hitting the dock, just, and were
presented with a basket of fruit and rum punches, just as Vicky said would
happen, but I really didn't think that anyone would have waited aoiund for us
tail enders. We are sening this off straight away, before braving customs, etc.
We had an interesting days sail yesterday with
changing wind conditions, and a heavy downpour this morning. I was worried that
we might have to motor the last 24 hours, but we arrived in (some) style, and
with all our sails set as we finished: an official photographer was on hand!! I
am looking foreward to seeing my family this evening, Geoff has to wait a little
longer, so plans to take out his frstration on a mountain tomorrow
Thanks to all of you who have kept up with our
great adventure, we really did enjoy ourselves, and we wish you all a very happy
Christmas and New Year. Richard
Geoff adds; thought the alternative song title
might have been 'Congratulations & Celebrations' but that would a) have
shown my age and b) would have been blowing our own foghorn. Can't believe
everything has stopped moving yet, the boat seems dead now, all the electrics
and motor switched off. Total distance 3008 miles which wasn't to far off
the official distance via the southern route - i.e. most of that was
'distance-made-good'
The wettest day so far, had oilies on and it was
more like the English Channel than the Windies. I had thought we might
have had a quiet arrival and just tied up and tidied up at our own pace, so
didn't really expect such a welcome. The official boat blew their horn,
photos taken, congrats on the radio and then as we drew along the pontoon,
several boats and spectators were there blowing foghorns and shouting for
us. Almost like wiining the F1 Gran Prix anyway. So we have had one
shot of rum punch from the ARC reception committee and are halfway through a cup
of tea now, need to go to clear arrivals and get sorted out as Conny &
Hannah are due later this evening. I'm planning on a walk up through one
of the national parks and then I have to get to the airport. Looking
forward to seeing you all, with a few phots. Promise not to be too
booring!
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