27-Jun-2023 - Return - half-way there

27-Jun-2023

Return - half-way there

Wind 18kt Seas 4-6ft rollers building

 

After a short but great shore program, and the prize giving and gala dinner, it is time to bid farewell to Bermuda.  Congratulations to all the prize winners! The race committee reminds us that June 13, 2025 will be the start of the next race, mark your calendar!

Race final results here: 
https://myemail.constantcontact.com/2023-Marion-Bermuda-Race-Wrap-Up.html?soid=1103604998694&aid=e1YFuDTGiX0

 

Several other boats made an early departure due to the weather, and others are heading out in the next day or two.  We set out Sunday midday.  Due to the persistent low winds around Bermuda, we motored the first 12-hours, and then were able to catch enough winds to sail and have mostly been sailing since.  Would have been nice to have this on the way down.

 

We are here in the middle of the ocean, but still have seen cargo, cruise, and tanker ships last night, and passed close to an unknown lighted buoy (which could not have been anchored).  We are now about half-way back to Newport, RI, and will enter the Gulf Stream tomorrow morning.  The weatherman says Cindy has fizzled, but to expect local squalls and lively sailing.  We see on yellow brick that most of the returning pack is around us.  We noted Integrity & Defiance exiting Bermuda for Santee Basin, but they have returned their yellowbricks and are offline. 

 

Thank to the hosting yacht clubs, and MBR2023 for a grand event.

 

Wildlife: Dolphins, Bermuda longtail, squid, flying fish, sea turtle

Galley: Breakfast burritos/scones/turnovers, muffins, yogurt/Granola.  Lunch: sandwiches, leftovers. Dinner: Turkey Club sandwiches, Broccoli bake, Lasagna. 

 

What happens when you take a nap by the ocean?

You wake up with resting beach face

 

“When a great adventure is launched with a powerful thrust, fatigue in the muscles and doubts in the mind are swept away by a fullness that moves life along like a breath from the depths of the soul.” - Bernard Moitessier

#MBR2023 #svmahinakai #oysterfamily #gosling_sport #gotobermuda #marionbermuda

22-Jun-2023 - Land-ho eternity

 

22-Jun-2023

Land-ho eternity

Wind nominal; Seas calm

 

The final task related to the race is to finish.  Bermuda is a figure-8 laying sideways with Hamilton Harbour and the Great Sound to the west, and St. Georges Harbour to the east.  The entire western and northern coastline is protected by over 300 square miles of coral reef which makes the race finish and approach into Hamilton Harbour especially complex. 

 

In normal years, boats would be converging on the finish now, and would be popping up on our charts as they get closer.  This year however, a Bermuda-high has settled in, which causes calm conditions. and there is little wind.  As we approach, we have a half-dozen navigation aids that we need to pass to the starboard on the way to the finish line.  This year however, we had nominal winds an the end of yesterday, little overnight, and little today.  So, we've been looking at the first marker, the Kitchen Shoals marker, for 18-hours, with only slight forward progress.  

 

The forecast continues to call for nominal winds until the weekend, so we have to make some hard choices.  Rather than spend another day sitting here, looking at Bermuda, we decided to withdraw from the race, and motor in to the marina so that we could meet our shore crew and participate in the festivities.  Another reason we had to withdraw: we ran out of the cookie of the day!

 

 It will take a while for us to navigate the channel through the reefs to the Western end of Bermuda and the Great Sound to Hamilton. Once we arrive at the RHADC, and give the boat a bath, and give ourselves a bath, we'll get settled in our accommodations. I look forward to the RHADC fish stew served with Goslings rum and sherry peppers!

 

Weather/animal: lighting show at night, little wind, Bermuda longtails.

Meals: Breakfast sailor's choice, lunch sandwiches, dinner on shore

Cookie of the day: Beach

 

#MBR2023 #svmahinakai #oysterfamily #gosling_sport #gotobermuda #marionbermuda