10 December 2017 0700 local time Position Saint Lucia LGY Marina
I came back on watch at 1200 and Neal had already spotted the loom of the lights from St Lucia and Martinique which gradually became more and more distinct as we neared. The wind was dropping slowly but then so was the sea state and so we were able to maintain a reasonable speed. Everyone then came on deck in team shirts as we rounded Pigeon Island and rounded up to head for the Finnish/English/ Completion line set to leeward of a massive three masted cruise ship in Rodney Bay. We eventually crossed at 0200 having just crossed the Atlantic!!
Photos ensued from the official photographer and then felt our way into the narrow entrance to the IGY marina finding the Yellow Shirts there to collect our lines and help berth stern to the dock. There was a reception committee of ARC guys, friends and local tourist board representatives who first and foremost handed us a rum punch each, strong enough to floor a full grown rhino and a fruit platter with another bottle of rum. Cheering all round!
We then had a few liveners on board and prepared to go out but for some reason I ended up with intense stomach cramps and sickness that had me curled in a ball in the cockpit and not making merry ashore - typical, the one night here and can't go out.......
Still we are here safely, everyone enjoyed the passage apart from the frustrations caused by the weather in the first week or so, but that is sailing I suppose.
So that's it, ARC 2017 completed. Mischief will start he World ARC in a few weeks time and so the adventures are set to continue into the Pacific and beyond!!
But for now, this is Charlie signing off. Out!
Hi Ho!!