So as you know we made it to the most southern part of this trip, George Town. The main reason was to see the regatta and we were successful in that. Lots of fun was had by all and at this time we are headed back north. Yesterday we pulled into Wardrick Wells since a big cold front was coming through and of course, 2am was the anticipated arrival time.
But, to stay in order.......the regatta.....lots and lots of fun! We caught up with many friends we haven't seen in a long time, saw some good racing and had our share of "real" Bahamian food. What else could one ask for?
On our way south, while at Barreterre, we had a chance to see the three "C" class boats they were getting ready to head to George Town. They have; "Pot Cake", "Warrior", and "Hog Tusk". One of them is now the proud owner of a mainsheet from Nati and another has some new blocks courtesy of Celest. Some of the smaller settlements are racing on a shoestring so if we can help out.....why not!!??
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| stepping the mast |
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| Time for racing |
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| One mast almost up |
But lets go racing!
Three classes are involved in the regatta, "A", "B" & "C". They are determined by the size and we should have all the particulars on that but to bad.....we don't. Some of the boats are fairly new. Some, like one of the "A" class boat we got involved with, "Palm Cay Princess" was 40 years of age and it showed. But what makes this really special is that everyone, while staying very competitive, doesn't forget that FUN is the name of the game.
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| "Princess" coming towards Nati |
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| "A" class finishing downwind |
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| Coming to "A" mark |
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| the plane was very low..... |
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| Heading windward |
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| A good start |
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| The starting gun is moments away |
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| Note the relaxed atmosphere on "Princess" |
As it tuned out Robie befriended some of the guys on "Princess" and we ended up doing few projects on the boat while the crew was racing the smaller boats in the morning. It was fun to be involved and Robie even sailed for two days on the boat. All the guys on the boat were great to meet and talk with so we have gained new Bahamian friends in the process!
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| Even racing there is time to say hi! |
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| Go figure.....Robie is in the middle of it! |
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| Robie doing some sewing on the mainsail |
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| A cute little devil, isn't he?! |
The last day of racing was perfect. The "A" class boats had good wind and we watched the start from Dingh-go, up to "A" mark and then headed to the grandstands to watch the finish. It worked out perfectly. We saw the finish and were around the race site to watch some of the side attractions such as the National Police Force Marching Band.......They really sounded good and it gave a real festive atmosphere.
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| The start of the last race |
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| Hiking out! |
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| Running deep |
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| Perfect or what??!! |
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| Spectators unloading after racing |
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| The regatta site |
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| The Police marching band |
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| Boats being loaded back on the freighters |
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| The Long Island fleet |
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| Check out the signs..... |
On our last night in George Town we were invited to go over to a "get-together" at Flip Flop Beach. Well, we found it and a number of long time cruising folks were having cocktails, playing guitars and other instruments, to old and new songs alike. The beach hut was started a number of years ago and it reminded us of the "Hog Cay Yacht Club" down in the Ragged Islands. It was set up just for this type of get together and again we had a good time "getting' down". Before you knew it, it was time to head home and hit the sack!
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| Last day at Chat 'n Chill |
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| View from Flip Flop Beach |
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| The founder... |
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| Our "fancy" hut |
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| Sing along..... |
The next morning we decided the winds were good to head north. The forecasted cold front was going to head our way and we wanted to be north of our present location. Next stop......Black Point! But.......with the winds behind us the spinnaker came out and of the 50nm we did for the day we sailed 49 of them! Now that is the way we like it!
From Black Point we did a short trip up to Cambridge Cay and then over to Wardrick Wells for the storm. Timing....??? Yes, indeed.....1:30am the rain, lightning and winds close to 40kts arrived. We got another dose just at dawn today but things are looking a little better now. Windy from the NW but blue skies are starting to appear.
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| Our welcome committee at Cambridge Cay |
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| Another friend saying hi |
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| Looks like weather is coming.. |
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| Yep.....its here |
Stay tune for more...........coming your way soon.......
