It’s now T-2 days until we set sail to Colombia. And we are
NOT READY. But we’re getting there 😊.
In the meantime, our days are filled with seminars about the
route, weather, currents and tides, best places to provision, can’t miss places
to explore, etc. etc. My novice sailing brain can only follow about 50% of it,
but Captain Dave is soaking it all in so he can teach us along the way.
You guys have a lot of questions for us about the route: Why
go westward? What about hurricanes and bad weather? Why not spend more time in
Indonesia since you’re already over there? Isn’t this dangerous? And to those
we can confidently say that for a circum-navigation expedition in under 2
years, this has been well thought out and we’re sure it’s the right trip for
us.
Sailing west allows us to pick up the trade winds which
allow for better and easier sailing. The schedule was carefully planned (by
someone much more knowledgeable than us) to allow us to avoid hurricane and
cyclone season all around the world. Yes, that means we’ll rush through some
interesting areas, but we can always return on future trips. And we are
absolutely, purposely avoiding areas of the world where pirates are prevalent,
or the natives aren’t welcoming to foreigners.
Still, this is an adventure and it will be challenging in
all the best ways, beginning with our first sail. We expect tail winds
averaging about 30-40 knots on our way to Colombia from St. Lucia. That’s A LOT
OF WIND- so we’re working hard with our fellow sailors to select the best
routes and techniques to get there safely.
We also have a lot of general preparations to do. We
replaced the halyard (line/rope that raises the main sail), got all our spare
parts repaired if necessary and stowed, organized the cabins and the galley,
and are working to get all the electronics and safety equipment working.
The good news: The true mark of a sailor is that they
enjoy working on the boat as much as they enjoy sailing it. I guess I can’t
quite call myself a sailor yet.
In the craziness, we also remembered to start building
community with our fellow boats and take time to enjoy the island. The World
ARC put on a couple happy hour events, complete with steel drums, local
appetizers, rum punch, and Piton. We enjoyed mingling with the other boats and
learning their stories. I don’t see how we could ever be bored with so many
people from all walks of life.
Now let’s chat everyone’s favorite subject: food. Dinners
have been FABULOUS. Admiral Anne searched high and low to find us the best
French restaurant on the island, Jacques, where we “cheers”ed to the next 15
months with new friends. Food highlights were a portabella and goat cheese tart
and the coconut crème brulee.
Other dinners included Captain Dave’s steaks on the grill
and the most amazing Indian restaurant, which was recommended to us as the
“best Indian food on 3 continents”. I don’t know what 3 continents those were,
but it was the best Indian food I’ve ever had- and we again enjoyed getting to
know fun new friends.
Admiral Anne and I enjoyed the island’s signature cocktail,
a BBC (banana, Bailey’s, Coco Lopez). This thing could convince anyone to move
here.
See the full blog with pictures and video here: www.theseanicroute.com
Kristen Pankratz
First mate, Amazing Grace
TLDR: Always try the local cocktail.