That was an eventful trip. After a few days of hard labour and a few light beers (yeah, right) we were ready to set off. Rather out of character, Simon got an early night whilst Dave, Stu and Bill went our for a nightcap... 4.5 hours later they staggered back - Bill lighter 700ecd and his wallet. Thankfully his wallet was returned but not the cash. Rather unpleasant business.
Happy Morning set sail at 16.00 local time, heading north in preparation for a single tack and a direct route to Barbados. Initially seas were light but the channel began swelling and before too long swells of 2M and waves of equal height got the best of the two less experienced crew members and Bill was ill below whilst Simon managed to make a mess of the boat which in a force 6 gusting 7 was not pleasant for those downwind. Sorry guys. So whilst Simon and Bill spend 15 of the 19 Hours looking at the rather gruesome bottoms of their respective buckets, the three remaining guys sailed through nasty seas to get us here safely which was a Herculean effort and one for which they are still struggling now.
BUT... Barbados here we are. Some soggy checking in sheets later and customs let us through for a pleasant trip motor sailing to Carlysle Bay. Bill only managed to run over two buoys on the way down (thankfully no propellor damage). We have now set anchor and tied into a dodgy looking buoy - hence the anchor - and will shortly be enjoying our first proper grub for 36 hours!!!
Until the next update!!!
| Bad Weather....Very Bad Weather |
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Comments [3]
Trust u 4 not exerting your self on board suppose u staied ashore to oggle the girls
LOL have checked ur house most days all ok so far !!!
We continue to action the remedial fixes to HM, changing cleats and fixing minor problems that need sorting before racing her. Its been tough - the major problem being that the bar rests between the hardware store and the boat. Its very tough walking past the bar and NOT getting a beer in!!!!
The weather is slowly getting better, rain is subsiding (as are the local roads) and the sun is coming out.
Its really not blog-able stuff at the moment as its boring fixes, sleep and beer but Stuart is keeping us all entertained with 'babe-watch' and 'bite-watch' - both of which are apparently compelling (well, at least according to Stu!).
Bills toilet adventures continue.
| Mount Gay Rum Regatta |
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Say hello to Bill/Dad from me!
Debbie
Bill has blocked the toilet.
Quote of the hour - Dave "what the ******* ***** ****"
| Las Palmas |
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So we have arrived safe and sound at Rodney Bay Marina. In true HM style we were an hour late leaving but the plane was nearly empty, Bill was able to sleep across 4 seats for most of the journey.
A trip to a local bar last night for the annual St Lucia Jazz festival has seen Dave, Stuart and Simon walking around a little the worse for the rum punches we sank.
It has rained consistently since we arrived and as I type torrential rain is pouring down outside - but its still 30 degrees C so its humid, muggy and a little uncomfortable. To the bar then....
Quote of the day - "I cut my finger" - Stuart
| Mount Gay Rum Regatta |
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04/05/2012, A dreary Maldon, UK
Roll forward 16 Months. Happy Morning is snug in her sunny new home at IGY Marina, Rodney Bay, St. Lucia. Many new friends have been made, and some great adventures have been had in waters and places new.
And more are set to begin.........
The next Rum-fest and regatta is scheduled to commence on 17th May, 2012. The event: The 2012 Mount Gay Regatta, Barbados. The Essex boys are ready to rock & roll. The countdown has begun.
T-5 days until we depart this green and pleasant land. And the floods.
| The Epilogue |
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photos are good......
RORC Final Result:
6th overall in IRC
3rd in Class
And..
- around 20th out of the combined results of 200+ boats in the Rally.
- at 36' Happy Morning was among the smallest yachts taking part
Well done the Prindle boys, aka 'Dads Army'
------oo00oo------
As a postscript to the ARC we have just heard -and we are very proud to tell you- that Marconi Sailing Club have awarded us the Seamanship trophy for 2010. Not only that but additionally (amazingly?!) MSC have awarded us the Mamgu Trophy for the best club blog of 2010.
We always said it was going round corners and parking that are the difficult bits. Straight lines are easy. Therefore these awards are doubly meaningful and deeply appreciated by all of us crew. Especially considering our shakedown was spent in the Green Man at Bradwell (arrgghh...we was storm-bound me dears!).
Equally no doubt we will always be reminded of our scrubbing-post escapade (prime time and witnessed by the entire cadet fleet and camping ensemble), which nearly scuppered the adventure before it began and appropriately bears out the difficulties of parking.
Remember, if at first you don't succeed.....
And so, our thanks to Marconi SC from Happy Morning and her crew.
| ARC2010 - The Race |
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