Atlantic crossing. Bermuda 6
Thisbe
Sat 2 Jun 2007 00:12
Still making far too much
westing. Continuing would steadily make matters worse as we increased the
distance to our destination. At midnight Thursday I decided to go for it
based on the results of a yet another tank dipping. Running the engine slowly
and sailing whenever possible I figured we could just make it. The crew
are very tired and a bit worn down by the bouncing. we need a result to cheer
them up. Dipped again first thing in the morning and a bit unhappy
with the result, the 20kt headwind is playing hell with the consumption
but arriving without another 24 hours at sea is still within the realms of
possibility. Chugged on through the night slowly getting into calmer waters but
way out to the west of the island. Up at first light to relieve the French who
are looking the worse for wear to say the least. Just in sight of the
westernmost lighthouse which is encouraging. More dippings and quiet
anxiety on my part, the last thing I want is to get towed in. Wind freshened at
about 9am and just able to sail in roughly the right direction, great. Very
impressed with our first sight of the island, so different to the Caribbean
ones being very low and flat. The chart is a chilling read, reefs extending out
from every direction, a north approach would be impossible. We
had planned to make landfall from the west as recommended but as you
know, were not able to. By now we were enjoying some respite, tacking
slowly and quietly along the beautiful coastline and feeling the now
familiar arrival euphoria Things continued to improve throughout
the morning and I began to become optimistic that we would make it. Tacked
around a bit to weather Coopers Island and the shoals around Great Head and
suddenly all was well. The light seems different around here somehow. I
never feel the need to wear shades but certainly wished I had a decent pair this
morning. The sea is a startling blue and all the other colours seem to be much
more vivid. Contacted Bermuda radio for permission to enter the harbour and was
subjected to a verbal interrogation re the equipment onboard, where we had come
from, the serial numbers on the Epirb and other equipment. When he asked for the
sex of Grandmother I told him the questions were becoming tedious and all we
needed was permission to enter. I had the impression that the litany was
expected as part of his job and he was relieved when I called a halt. We had to
wait for a liner to come through the very narrow entrance after which we
motored in without further contact. He contacted us again to give us clearing in
instructions, immigration etc. and left us to our own devices. A lovely harbour,
very clean, neat and very expensive as we were soon to discover. Onboard now
having a well earned rest and preparing to go ashore to join the French who
are awaiting the arrival of Michel who is flying in from the UK this
evening. Michel will skipper the boat the rest of the way back to the UK as
originally planned. Looking forward to exploring this lovely place during the
short time will be here. I felt a bit tired and emotional this evening as we sat
having coffee beside the harbour, I have been concerned for the welfare of
the French in particular, their families are obviously worried judging by
the amount of medicaments they loaded them down with, something for every
eventuality. Having great time. Manny