Finally - an update from the Caribbean!

It’s been more than 10 days since we got to the Caribbean and finally I have time for a proper update!

The voyage across the Atlantic with the ARC was epic – 3050 nautical miles and 18 days 12 hrs and 9 mins after crossing the start line we were delighted to hear over the VHF: “Congratulations Blue Pepper, you have finished. Welcome to St Lucia!” It was just after 9pm local time and pitch black, it was also raining in a truly biblical fashion – but this didn’t dampen our enthusiasm to be here, or for the rum punch that was thrust into our hands

as we moored up (along with a more

practical basket of fruit).

The crossing seemed to pass in a blur – lots of routine, sail changes, cooking, a few running repairs, reading, occasional frenetic pulling and winching of ropes, podcasts, a liberal dose of banter and a surprising amount of sleep. Key events included Peter’s 60th birthday party - Steak, chips and salad (the last lettuce held-up beautifully) followed by cake and party games - and the ‘Middle of the Atlantic’ celebration (more games).

The only disappointment of the whole thing was the fishing. It turns out that the great advice and kit I got in a Hastings tackle shop wasn’t that good after all… not so I much “all the gear and no idea”, more “all the wrong gear and still no idea”! We caught several, they just made off with the lures. At least we know what upgrades to get for the journey back!

Once in Rodney Bay it was great to swap notes with other crews as more boats made it in. The usual first question was “what broke?” – it seems that compared to many we got off relatively lightly with a rip in our big Code 0 sail, the autopilot packing-up with 2 days to go and a bunch of broken shackles and worn out ropes. It took several days to fix things and get Blue Pepper back into cruising trim for the Caribbean leg, whilst getting a taste for rum and Mahi Mahi cooked myriad ways.

Our valiant Atlantic westwards crew then headed for home and Sue and I have now started our Caribbean cruise. After a few days exploring the west coast of St Lucia we will be heading south to the Grenadine Islands for Christmas.