Falklands to Barbados 2012
| Vessel Name: | Cutting Edge |
| Vessel Make/Model: | Bowman 48 |
| Hailing Port: | Southampton |
| Crew: | Carl Freeman, Betty Romo and Tim Thorogood |
| About: |
30 May 2012 | Atlantic Shores Barbados
5 days to reflect
The sight of Barbados as it appeared out of the clouds was one of the best sights I can remember, not only for it's beauty, but at the thought of being on dry land very soon!
30 May 2012 | Barbados (ashore!)
Reflections
Well, we're now getting settled in to our new home (31A Sunrise Street, Atlantic Shores, Christ Church, Barbados) which has included stripping Cutting Edge of most of her stores, all our personal gear which she was transporting and also many of the tools she carried.
23 May 2012 | En route to Barbados
We're starting to smell the coconuts
We are now about 260 miles from Barbados.
21 May 2012 | En route to Barbados
Final leg
We are now en route to Barbados having left Isle du Salut this morning. We had some excitement as we left our mooring as the boat got stuck in reverse and speeding towards the shore only about 50 meters away. Fortunately by steering really hard over (in reverse) we managed to do a circle without hitting the shore and worked our way out of the harbour in this eccentric fashion (boat is not great to steer in reverse). Eventually we dropped anchor and investigated to find that the transmission control cable had simply sheered off. We've set off anyway as we can work the gears from the transmission housing though that involves running below, not practical for a mooring in Barbados with only two crew. Hopefully we can develop a work around in the meantime. Our other problem right now is that the wind is from the North! It's good though to be only 590 nm from our final destination and we are busy talking through our first few days in Barbados. We plan to have Cutting Edge lifted out pretty much straight away (there is no real marina). Anyway, let's see how we get on over the next couple of days, at this rate we'll be in Trinidad (due to wind direction) ......
12 May 2012 | Iles du Salut, Guyane Francaise
Salvation Islands
Arrived at the Salvation Islands yesterday about 1500 after a fast journey from Cayenne (30 miles). Anchored very close to shore to avoid the swell but still rather bouncy overnight. Today we picked up a Police/customs bouy and we are still on it this evening so fingers crossed! The tiny islands are beautiful, palm trees and other exotic vegetation everywhere, lovely walks with great views across the water to Kourou and to Devil's Island. Prison buildings impressive. We have even found a bar with great views and are really pleased. It has been very hot today, which has been largely clear of the successive bouts of torrential rain we have otherwise had in Guyane. We plan to stay here tomorrow and leave on Monday, should arrive Barbados by Friday! Nice to see the comments on the blog: thanks again for those. Off now to down some more Pims.....
5 days to reflect
The voyage for me was a personal achievement, but not one I would want to repeat. That said given the choice again, I would still make the journey. The night watches were tedious, long and demanding for the two of us, but we stood up to the challenge well. The constant movement and unexpected big waves made most things, including those considered straightforward on dry land, hard work and often eventful.
The stops at various locations were vital to re-coup energy levels, but were also amazing as we visited places we would not go to as a tourist.
Cutting Edge is a wonderful boat and she looked after us well. Other than some relatively minor repairs she looks in good shape, better than me if I'd been battered by the sea for 8,000.
I am very pleased to be in a nice ‘still’ bed every night without Tim waking me to call me for my watch or seek assistance as a ship had crept up on him!
Barbados is beautiful, warm weather, gentle winds, turquoise sea and golden sand, what more can a girl want!
Thanks to everyone for their comments on the blog and e-mails throughout the voyage.
I will add some photos soon, but hopefully the arrival photo I've added will give you a flavour of our life in Barbados
Love to everyone
Alison x