I have not been in contact for a few days as our on board computer gave up the ghost! We had an eventful final few days on the sea – the weather was very warm and the seas very big – we were constantly travelling at 8-9 kts which we would have liked to have done for more of the journey.

The wind got up to 40 kts on one occasion on Tuesday night which forced us to put in two reefs on the mainsail and with only half the jib out we still cruised at over 8 kts – it was all rather exhilarating surfing down some huge Atlantic swell – Stewart the skipper actually hit 16.7 kts of speed down one big wave which even with my knowledge I know is quick.

It was all much of the same – that is until mid morning yesterday – Friday when we finally spotted St Lucia in the haze. It seemed to take ages to get closer but eventually it did and we rounded Pigeon Island and came into Rodney Bay in the glorious sunshine doing 8 knots on the suddenly very calm water and just before lunchtime the hooter sounded as we crossed the line – it really was a fantastic moment.

As was promised we were welcomed by a small throng of people with rum and fruit and a traditional musician playing welcoming tunes. We berthed, bathed and ate, we cleaned and drank some more and then ate more and that is about all I can remember!

There are some great stories that I will fill you in on later but now for now the head is pounding and I can’t write much more.

For those still at sea – Safe passage

Alec Lochore