Veni Vidi Vixi - ninth blog - Coen’s ideas about crossing the Atlantic Ocean

At the start of the race, I felt so excited because it was our first time to go in a race ever. I went to get the horn. Everybody said hello. I blew my horn as loud as a blue whale. It was extraordinary!We all went to the starting line and a man on the radio counted down for us. Afterwards, you couldn’t see everybody for more than one day. We caught a little mahi-mahi. We caught another fish - she was a beauty!We’ve only caught two fish so far. We keep losing others probably because the seaweed keeps covering the fishing rod. Saint Nicolas gave us candy in boots. The adults got a box of cookies. Being in the ARC race is an amazing feeling because of the great adventure.. read more...

Veni Vidi Vixi - eighth blog - Veve’s reflections on crossing the Atlantic

On Sunday we left to cross the Atlantic Ocean to the Caribbean.All of the ARC boats were heading out of the marina.Everybody was waving their horns.My family and I were excited because it was a race and our first time doing it.We were surrounded by vessels but then we were on our own.Now we’ve passed two weeks already and only have three more days until we get there to the Caribbean.I’d love to build sandcastles with my brother and sister and drink coconuts and go swimming with my family.My birthday is going to be on the beach. Stinky things The rubbish bin is stinky.It has all kinds of disgusting organic stuff inside it that is going to be thrown in the ocean.I see my mother dumb the rotten watermelon into the deep blue sea.When my dad caches a fish on the fishing rod he holds it with a. read more...

Veni Vidi Vixi - Veni Vidi Vixi - seventh blog - Scarlett writes about crossing the Atlantic Ocean

I am Scarlett and I am 7 years old. We are sailing on the Atlantic Ocean. Things I like:- My family - Flying fish- Cake- My animal salon- Rainbows- Sunsets- Examining fish to see what is inside their bodiesThings I do not like:- Farts- Stinky watermelon - Getting hot - Smelly fish- My sister pinching meMy favourite things to eat:- spaghetti - Cake- Fish- Nachos- Tomatoes- ChipsThings that make me feel sick:- Lollies- Nuts- CrackersWe are going to the Caribbean to:- Build sandcastles - Eat and drink coconuts - Have Christmas I feel great about crossing the Atlantic.. read more...

Veni Vidi Vixi - Veni Vidi Vixi - sixth blog - Captains two cents

I take my hat off to all you Captains. This is hard. Really really hard. I recently told the crew one morning (as they sat eager to hear the days plans after a particularly tough night) that all this responsibility is at times too much. I just wanted an adventure with my family - a chance to have a lovely yacht in New Zealand by avoiding eye-watering shipping fees matched perfectly with a few years skiving off work. Now it’s Atlantic lows, pitch-black crash gybes, unforcasted near gale force winds, unexpected massive seas, eyes glued to radar as we dodge angry lightening filled localised weather systems. I’m getting no sleep (haven’t had more then 3hrs sleep in a row for weeks), my wife asking why I’m concerned about one thing or another - I’m a planner by nature and want to have at. read more...

Veni Vidi Vixi - Veni Vidi Vixi - fifth blog - Here comes the sun nah, nah, nah, nah...

Oh what a difference a day can make! And just like the pain of labour is quickly forgotten after the baby arrives, the pain of the choppy waves, high winds and beating rain is forgotten as the sun climbs higher in the sky. From near gale force, too much wind and lightning strikes seemingly all around us to every sailors nemesis- no wind at all. After two weeks rest, on goes the donkey (our engine) so on goes the water maker! Hooray, showers for everyone and after days of being thrown around by the rollercoaster, believe me, we all need a good wash. The kids rejoice as they soap themselves up on deck - bubbles, glorious bubbles are everywhere - goodbye sticky children and hello fresh smelling hair and bodies. Soon a large bucket comes out and in goes all the favourite T-shirts, socks and. read more...