Vagaris -

Unsurprisingly there hasn’t really been any time to think of anything other than crossing the Atlantic, and all that it entails. Since we arrived we’ve been busy catching up with friends and enjoying the ARC activities (social drinking mostly), but as Christmas is rapidly sneaking up on us, I did find a few spare moments to dig out the decorations yesterday. Unfortunately as of yet we’ve been unable (despite our seemingly comprehensive inventory…more on this soon) to locate the Christmas lights, so we’re only festive on the inside. Jaxs/y Vagaris. read more...

Vagaris - Fruit & Veg

During our passage we ate very well, as food was quite important for morale and keeping us busy. Despite buying seemingly huge amounts of fresh fruit and vegetables (100 satsumas, 90 apples etc) we went through most of it. Before and after photos of fruit and veg supplies.... read more...

Vagaris - Dark Arrival

We arrived in Rodney Bay marina, St Lucia last night at 1943 local time after 20 days and 3050 miles at sea. We sailed across the finish line, received the congratulatory message from ARC control, dropped the sailed and prepare to enter the marina. It was very dark as we edged slowly into thecutout channel that leads to the lagoon where the marina is situated. We were met by a crowd of friends and well wishers cheering and congratulating us. Boats blew their whistles and horns to mark our arrival. In the dark and unfamiliar marina we moored with the help of ARC staff (yellow shirts) and stepped onto dry land for the first time for a long time. Champagne came out, Rum punches were delivered and stories were exchanged. Still bewildered, we then headed to one of the marina bars for another. read more...

Vagaris - Atlantic weed and swimming

We've been motoring for a day, and every few hours have had to stop and let the prop fold to clear off accumulated weed.This one has really puzzled us, for literally two thousand miles we've been passing large quantities of seaweed floating in the sea.We'd originally thought it was detritus from a storm, but it has been ever present for most of our crossing. Over the last few days the small clumps have been getting bigger and forming 2-3 meter round floating islands of weed. Yesterday these islands started growing, with the largest being a couple of hundred metres long. We didn't realise why at the time, but when we became aware of a slight juddering from the prop we changed into neutral and saw large clumps of weed exiting past the stern. A few seconds of astern and then forward was. read more...

Vagaris - Arrival preparatuons

60 miles to go and we're making preparations for arrival. The St Lucia courtesy flag has been raisedThe fenders have been recovered from their stowage space in the anchor locker and re inflated. The interior is undergoing a thorough clean. The ARC flag is going up.The decks are today and all ocean paraphernalia such as foam anti-chafe strips and guard rail tape has been removed.Over the past 48 hours we (mostly Steve) have also sanded down and applied a couple of fresh coats of teak oil to the cockpit table, so even that looks smart and new again. I might even allow the crew a quick wash themselves.---No land has been spotted yet.... read more...