Starla - We Have arrived

Hello Everyone,We arrived at 23.41 hours UK time.It is a fantastic feeling to be here. The last day was very challenging, especially arriving in the dark.Thanks to my great crew, Colin, Brian and Peter.Thanks to everyone for following out trip and all of the support.The organisers were on the pontoon to greet us, take out lines and give us a bottle of rum punch. Oh yeah! Regards,Starla Crew(written by Steven Crake). read more...

Starla - Log Day 22 - Not that far to go

Hello Everyone,Distance logged today - 195 nautical miles. Distance to date this trip - 3002 nautical miles. Remaining miles to St Lucia 214.The wind is out of the east between 25 and 30 knots, pushing us along at a nice 8 to 9 knots. The sea state is still a bit lumpy, and that is not going to change for the rest of the journey. The sun is shinning.Last night and early morning was free of squalls, which is a good thing, as the wind speed typically increase by a 1/3, at the front of the squall, with a lot of rain.Yesterday we were hit by a lot of squalls, making it a very demanding morning to get through them.It has been too rough to fish, but we will give it a go this afternoon.We keep getting flying fish, landing in the cockpit, especially at night. They are only little, so we throw. read more...

Starla - Log Day 21 - Not that far to go

Hello Everyone,Less than 400 miles to go.The wind has been 25 - 30 knots from the east, even bigger in the squalls.Boat and crew coping well.Keeping the message short today to allow for other duties. Regards,Starla Crew(written by Steven Crake). read more...

Starla - Log Day 20 - The air waves

Hello Everyone,Distance logged today - 191 nautical miles. Distance to date this trip - 2605 nautical miles. Remaining miles to St Lucia 561.As you can see from the log, we bettered yesterdays best ever daily distance by a few miles.The wind has been 20-28 knots from the east. We are still sailing south east, below the direct course for St Lucia on port tack. Either on a wind shift (which is not forecast)or when the sailing angle is what we need, we will gybe on to starboard tack and make out way back up towards St Lucia. So you may see us go a little south before heading back up. That's sailing, not very many direct routes!The sea state is still very uncomfortable, making life on-board more difficult. Cooking is a big challenge, but we are still managing well and spirits are good.. read more...

Starla - Log Day 19 - Shake Rattle and Roll

Hello Everyone,Distance logged today - 187 nautical miles. Distance to date this trip - 2414 nautical miles. Remaining miles to St Lucia 730.As you can see from the log, we bettered yesterdays best ever daily distance by one mile.The wind has been 18-25 knots from the east. We are still sailing south east, below the direct course for St Lucia on port tack. At some point we will gybe on to starboard tack and make out way back up towards the direct route. One small but important repair was carried out yesterday. The dingy outboard motor is clamped to a bracket, which is clamped to the hand rail of the boat. The bracket is a hard wood 25mm thick board, through bolted in two places on to the bracket that has tubular clamps to the handrail. One of the through bolts had come undone, meaning. read more...