ARC FINAL DAY 11/12: Saint Lucia
This is it. We made it and we are now in Saint Lucia.
While the last 24 hours have been eventful (including me doing an accidental Gybe
at 2am, Christian up and down the mast and out to the end of the pole, a hale storm shower first thing in the morning, torrid sun and tropical rain...) What can I say that is more relevant than WE MADE IT ! ?
After 14 days and 12 hours since we left Gran Canaria we are now in the Caribbean. Non-stop. Only using wind and our own hands and physical strength to get here ! We must be mad !
I believe this has been Northern Child's fastest ever Atlantic Passage and we are glad to have contributed and experienced it. We know we have had some unusual big seas and strong winds which made the cruising much harder and challenging but also pushed us farther and faster. There was a point in the race, probably during the first 10 days where we led our category and thought we could win it but weather played differently than our prediction and other boats took advantage. Well done to them ! We had fun clocking many 200+ miles days and I think we will come in the first 50 out of 200 boats.
Here we are now, having sailed across the finish line and drinking rum punch on the dock as a welcome celebration to Rodney Bay in Northern St Lucia, having sailed over 2800 miles, only coming close to land today for the first time ( 70 miles away from Barbados earlier today and very close to Martinique on our final gybe approach into St Lucia. The whole day there was a big buzz on board with packing, sleeping, joking and those being met by their other halves upon arrival were busy showering and making themselves look respectable ;-)
We leave behind a whole range of experiences, sailing in very challenging situation (from Force 0 to Force 9), baking under torrid sun, getting wet under tropical rain, the sound of the roaring waves as we surfed them at high speed, the "sailing incidents", sleep deprivation , great food and a healthy combination of difficult moments, challenging situations and lots of good times. I am sure that some friendships will have been forged aboard this boat that will go beyond this Adventure.
Many thanks to Christian and Tim for bringing us safely across the pond. Both well spirited, committed and in command. Lucy's remote support was highly appreciated and much needed. Thanks to my fellow guest crew for being great company and making this experience an unforgettable one. Anne-Do, thanks for looking after the "fort" while I was gone...I forgot everything work related thanks to you ;-)
Special thanks to Sarah, Lara and Maria for giving me the moral support and the "pass" to go and live this adventure. Their support and messages has made this possible and a huge difference. I am a very lucky man !
To the questions that you might have in mind
-"are you happy you did the ARC?": Yes. Tough and demanding but a great experience about many things. Not only about sailing
-"would you do this again Adolfo?": this is probably not the right time to answer this... It would be like asking a woman who just had a baby if she wants another one ;-)
-"would you recommend this adventure?": absolutely. Prepare well physically, mentally and let it surprise you & push you.... enjoy the ride !
Northern Child, a very fine classic Swan 51: thanks for bringing us across safely!
DESAFIO CONSEGUIDO !
Bye from Saint Lucia !