To see our first post, just click on "Blog Archive" "April" on the right and scroll down...
We left from Marathon in the Florida Keys with our two crew Barry and Ryan. Punching through the rough Gulf Stream north towards the Bahamas was hard work, but Quintessence did great. Plenty of traffic to see going through the Providence Channels south of Grand Abaco; cruise ships, tankers, boats being towed. We headed East out in to the Atlantic until we reached 65 degrees longitude and then headed South towards Antigua. On the way we caught 3 good size mahi-mahi (also called Dorado) with our fishing rods trolling off the back of the boat. So plenty of lovely fresh fish to keep us going. We tuned in to a frequency on our SSB radio every day where a great guy gives weather and routing information for small boats in the Atlantic. So that was a great help and gave us advance warning of frontal systems coming in and wind changes.
We sailed past Barbuda in the moonlight - at least we hoped it was Barbuda if our navigation after 1600 miles could still be relied upon. Daylight was just breaking as we rounded the southern end of Antigua, heading for Falmouth Harbour. Very exciting to see land up close after 12 days at sea. As we came in to the harbour, the beautiful scent of jasmine wafted over us. Fantastic. We found a spot and anchored up. We were worried that finding a spot might be dificult as it is Antigua Classic race week. But we had no problem. So we watched all the beautiful old wooden racing yachts go out with their huge crews, working the boats ready to start the races.
We have work to do on our boat after the long passage, maintenance never stops it seems. We are enjoying Antigua. The weather of course is wonderful, even the occasional tropical rainstorm. The people great, food and rum cocktails very good. Antigua Race Week proper starts soon, so more partying and hard sailing on the island. We will be sitting in our cockpit with a beer watching them all hard at work. We have not started exploring yet, mostly recovering from the trip and fixing the boat. But when Richards family come over in a few days time, we will do some exploring and short sails to anchorages around the island.
Lots of love to everyone. Will post more pics soon!
xxx
We celebrated St Paddy's day in style in the Dry Tortugas!
5 comments:
Thanks for the update and the pics - you all look so miserable I'm surprised you don't turn round and come home (ha ha ha). So glad everything going well - more pics when you have time - enjoy the race week. Mum and George xxx
What a graphic account of your passage to Antigua. Great stuff!
Some comments on your pics so far:-
1. Very interesting characters, particularly the guy stretched out in the Kilkenny jersey, with the Mohawk hairdo - fantastic!
2. We loved the eight gulls on the heap of guana - it'ld make a great calendar illustration.
3. As for the three little maids from school, it seems a GAY day was had by all!
4. Is that Ryan or Barry beside the lad with the green hair?
See you Monday.
Love,
Mum & Paddy
Hi Uncle richard and Aunt sarah
Nice wig !!!! I think it's the new look !!! I've scored 14 tries in my rugby now and I'm doing really well. I'm hoping I might play fly half next season. Missing you loads.
love Jamie
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Thanks Mum & Dad, Mum & Paddy, and Jamie for your messages. So nice to hear from home.
Sarah & Richard
xxx
great to here you are having a fantastic journey. read "jupiters travels", about an englishman who rode his motorcycle around the world in 4 years.
we will certainly cross paths, hopefully soon
i will look forward to hear about diving. i did some of my certification in tortola, and some st lucia. send me gps co-ordinates
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