So, after 23 days, 17 hours, 30 minutes and 57 seconds we are here in St Lucia. Out arrival was just before sunset with a gentle breeze to help us across the finish line and a wonderful welcome by many friends on the pontoon. Complementary rum punches, cold beers and a basket of local fruit and bottle of rum were eagerly received and then it was time to party. This may not have been our first choice of activity but as it was happening at great volume right at the end of our pontoon we went along and then slept our first unbroken night’s sleep for 23 days.

We are all happy and delighted with our trip and relieved to find that we are not quite the last as there are several boats still to come. Our final position taking into account handicap and engine time will not be known for a while.

We plan to stay in Rodney Bay for a few days before we explore the rest of the island and decide where to drop our anchor to celebrate Christmas.

Thanks for all the messages of support and encouragement you have sent us along the way, we have really appreciated hearing from you and finding out where we were in the fleet (although no great surprises there!) Strangely, internet connection via the satellite phone was more reliable than wi fi here in St Lucia – communication may be patchy from now on!

We will let you know the results of the estimated duration of our journey competition in due course. It may be a close thing, prizes to follow!

Meanwhile I enclose a photo of us sailing into Rodney Bay on Tuesday evening.

With our best wishes and love to you all

Robin, Sue, Roy and Hazel