Happy New Year

Here in the heart of historic Bridgetown, the celebrations continue. The rally race of the Transat Classique was held in perfect trade wind conditions on Sunday. The bridge opened for us and Croix des Gardes was first into Carlisle Bay. The fleet started at noon off the Barbados Cruising Club and paraded north past some of the most exclusive beaches in the island. At Mullins Beach we turned to head south again.

White Dolphin powered up in Barbados

The fleet was headed by The Blue Peter, closely chased by White Dolphin. Both boats looked magnificent and really worked hard to stay powered up for the trip. Both will be competing in the Mount Gay Rum Round the Island race later in the month. The rest of us followed, and we were pleased to be able to stay clear ahead of Gweneven and Persephone in the broad reach conditions.

Our crew had been invited aboard The Blue Peter so we had room for some guests. We were joined by Morgan from Artaius, as well as Eric and Eric – two Americans who were members of the Barbados Cruising Club. Tall Eric was here to reassemble the record-holding multi-hull “Silver Bullet” for the round the island race and so was an excellent Helm aboard Croix des Gardes as well as tour guide. Eric #1 was down from Chesapeake and keen to discuss our onward cruise as well as being co-host of the prize-giving that evening.

The Barbadan government has invested heavily in this regatta and yachting in general. The Americans were brought in to renovate the formerly decrepit yacht clubs and really put the island on the cruising map. The historic quay has been recently modernised to accommodate yachts, although the power is not compatible with European vessels.

Prize for Youngest Crew of Panerai Transat Classique

Prize giving was at The Beach House, St James at the invitation of the restaurant owner. The prizes were spectacular, and again the children stole the show. They were awarded a prize for the youngest crew and given some gifts, and I had won the prize for first photo of a cetacean. We were also awarded a set of rum glasses and a rather fine engraved decanter.

 

New Year’s Eve saw us welcome the pupils of Bay Primary aboard. They had been following us avidly and both students, parents and teachers came to see us in person. We had at least 25 visitors aboard, initially in the cockpit then down below along with TV and press crews. Elizabeth and Matthew really bonded with the students, Elizabeth being the mature tour guide whilst Matthew was thrilled to meet some boys his own age and share his toys. We had about ten of them in the forecastle at one time, all grinning madly up at through the forehatch.

Pupils of Bay Primary on Croix des Gardes

We then visited Artaius for some more wonderful Bordeaux before the New Year’s Eve celebrations began in earnest. The Cruising Club was hosting a bubble party with free bar to the early hours, but we collapsed in bed with the children, choosing to celebrate New Year in Greenwich Mean Time instead.

This morning, Dave and Ollie returned at dawn to find we had damaged the boat. One of the stern lines had overloaded the toe rail and a large section had split away from the hull. James is already working with a hand chisel to repair the damage, even before the sun has risen fully. Later, many of the boats and crews will be departing, but we still await the last boat, Marie des Isles, to arrive.

Early morning repairs