We have now only a few hours left to run and James is searching for the first glimpse of Barbados. After weeks of indifferent winds, we finally have a steady breeze and are making good time. Elizabeth is very excited that we are nearly there and can't wait for her first visit to a beach tomorrow. Matthew is nonplussed and more interested that we have finally charged his Ninetendo DS.
It is quite a strange feeling to think that this portion of our voyage is over. I can understand how Mautissier may have felt when nearing the end of the first solo non-stop circumnavigation and deciding to just keep going. The endless sea encompasses our horizon and the yacht is our steady companion, continuing her progress day and night whilst we keep watch. Her motion has become ours and the gentle fizz of the water as it it is parted by her bows accompanies her creaks and sighs. It is difficult to think about a life ashore with its noise and bustle again.
We will cross the line after nightfall. The crew are now showering and we will all be in our team shirts and will illuminate Croix des Gardes from her deck lights for the final mile. We expect to be met by the committee rib and then escorted to the commercial harbour to clear customs before we can anchor off the Barbados Yacht Club for the night. Tomorrow, we will be allowed to berth in the yacht club marina and begin to enjoy the fruits of our voyage.
felt emotional reading your blog - you have all been superb on your epic voyage across the pond -as you near your destination give everyone a slap on the back for all the effort put in - especially the children enduring being couped up aboard - we are all in admiration for everyone - god speed to land and enjoy what awaits you all - love mum xx
ReplyDeleteI hope you'll spare a little of the excitement for us - I've been checking progress on the tracker at regular intervals through the day...I suspect you'll be arriving after we Hampshire provincials are in bed.
ReplyDeleteIt's been superb to read the blog and cheer you on from afar - here's to a right royal crossing of the finish line later and big fun tomorrow
xxx Liz & Alan
ReplyDeletePeter and Jo in Barbados on holiday are very proud of your British spirit and your being fellow members of the BCYC. We look forward to welcoming you in Independence Square, Bridgetown, tomorrow !
Are we there yet? We are not there yet are we? How many fingers? Well done.
ReplyDeleteThe UK is covered in water but enjoyed a fine afternoon. Reflecting your strictures on the use of drinking water the RSPB warns of coming droughts - we have not got enough reservoirs and sensibly designed drainage systems. Middle America is buried under snow
Lots of love Dad xxxxxxxxxx
Well done!
ReplyDeletePete B
It must be a strange mixture of excitement and sadness as the end of the race approaches and life as you've known it for over 3 weeks changes dramatically. Thank you for all your wonderful blog entries. They have made fascinating, entertaining daily reading and we will miss them greatly! Life here seems so mundane by comparison - we are preparing to go to Basin View for a few days! Congratulations to all aboard Crois des Gardes and we hope Barbados gives you a fabulous welcome and celebration on arrival with plenty of rum! Best wishes for the final miles. Much love to all, Janie xxx
ReplyDeleteWell done all you must be pretty much there by now, and in a very respectable position too!
ReplyDeleteGet the rum punches mixed and chill out on the beach :)
Bravo! Congratulations on getting there, not sinking, not losing the kids over the side and on dining well most of the way. Have a great time for the rest of your Caribbean cruise.
ReplyDeleteWatching the tracker and can see you are 1.3 miles from shore. Wey Hey!!!! So happy to know you have completed this part of your adventure safely. Enjoy Barbados and party on!!!
ReplyDeleteConington Shoot today - we will be talking about you and your great achievement!!! Awful weather here though - very wet and the ground is water logged. The newt ponds are deeper than ever!
Freddie's 18th today too.
Gill x
Congratulations! Tracker indicated a hitch when you had only 1.3 miles to finish. I have stopped speculating and feel thrill for you. Well done all. Hxxxxxx
ReplyDeleteHome is the sailor - home from the sea - her far borne canvas furled - the ship pours shining on the quay.AE Housman.love mum xx
ReplyDeleteTracker has been lovely most of the time but ... it kept me awake last night worrying about why you were a mile out and stationary from 0200 to 0800 UK time. Well done and really happy to know that you are all there safe and sound. Lots of love Dad aka Granddad xxxxxxxxxxx
ReplyDeleteHooray! Sensational result. Well done for a safe and competitive race, with nary a Mars-bar in sight. We wistful land-lubbers can only imagine what you've experienced but your descriptive entries in the blog have carried us with you, and we feel we have been part of the adventure.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations, and enjoy the Caribbean hospitality!
T,J, & A, xxx
Many congratulations to all of you-but especially the children for putting up with a Nintendo-less world: just proves it can be done though.
ReplyDeleteThe passage must have been fantastic/frustrating/exhilarating/scary(?) - bit like sailing really.
I'll look forward to reading more once you get bored with beach life
RIB
great picture of your arrival - standing ovation well deserved = emotional moment to savour - love mum xxx
ReplyDeleteWell done all of you. a Happy, Peaceful and Prosperous New Year to you all. Much love from a cold and wet (very) Dartmouth. XXX
ReplyDeleteBravo,bravo,bravissimo Jolly well done !!
ReplyDelete,