January 10th, 2018
French Breakfast
January 10th, 2018
Sunset
January 10th, 2018
Sail repairs
January 10th, 2018
Big Seas
January 10th, 2018
Deep Sea Tracey
This is Tracey as we arrived in Antigua - even the rainbow came out. I'm very proud of her
January 10th, 2018
Antigua
This comes from a sunny bar by the sea - I know I know but it really is. Its stunning here and we have settled in after a good sleep and getting on top of all the emails and job list. Today feels like the first proper day off although I should stress it hasn't ever been like work in the real sense. The nice thing is that we have met lots of people and they are all very friendly.
The trip over was fantastic and offered the full spectrum of weather. What was a surprise was that for the first week we had big winds and were wearing thermals. This gave us four 180NM days and I have to say 'Pearl' was just amazing for she handled it like a lady. We always felt safe and comfortable particularly as when you pull up the centre board all the lateral resistance sits back with the rudders and she becomes directionally docile where other boats might have a tendency to broach. This of course means that the Autopilot has an easy ride.
There's not many boats or builders of such a quality that you can take it straight out of the box and head off across the Atlantic two handed and have an easy ride. We didn't have any breakages to speak of and we feel that we are now blooded, a team of three.
It was a baptism of fire for Tracey and although there were tough times she has come out the other end having really enjoyed it. She has earned her place in the yacht club bar and has learnt not to think about the destination but to focus on the moment. You cant beat a sundowner in the trades with two inquisitive 30 Minke Whale and good vibes on the cockpit speakers!!
We're really happy, although it does feel strange at times that this is now our way of life. We're not going to be flying back to a big grind after a fortnights break. I do have articles to write and will be doing some teaching back in Europe but its something that I enjoy and will support us as we sail.
Happy New Year All
January 5th, 2018
Arrived in Antigua
Call from Pete 21.35 GMT to say they have arrived safely in Antigua. They are tired but happy and enjoying a glass of Champagne. When he said they had moored in Falmouth I thought Pete's navigation had gone wrong, but apparently there is more than one! Pete will do a full blog soon.
January 1st, 2018
Minke whales
Call from Pete 1813 hours, position 19 04N 50 43W, which means they have just 642 miles to Antigua and should arrive on Saturday. They had been doing 8 knots but the weather has turned a little fickle. Pete said New Years Eve was one of the best ever; they had the Spinnaker up and had a couple of 'sundowners' and then a couple of 'moonuppers' with music playing on deck and chatting until midnight. The last few days have seen numerous flying fish and dolphin around the boat. They were followed for a couple of days by two 30-foot Minke whales that got braver and closer as time passed, until they came right alongside Pearl. Pete and Tracey named them Charles and Camilla (the Wales's - get it?)! They send love to everyone back home. Cheers, Stu
