Wednesday October 30, 2024

We’ve been busy in Hampton VA getting ready for our offshore passage to Antiqua. We’ve checked that all our systems are in order, gotten things fixed (because something breaks almost everyday on a boat), bought some equipment and gear (because Billy just can’t help himself) and have made our final preparations.

Having done this trip last year, we are finding its much easier this year and more relaxing. We came into the Bluewater Marina in Hampton last Friday which is “base camp” for the Salty Dawg Rally. All the training and weather sessions, social activities and resources are centered here at the marina. There are over 100 boats in the rally and we are tied up among several other catamarans, having a great time getting to know them and sharing tips and tricks for the passage. They also have a free laundry (amazing), a bar and a restaurant , easy access to grocery and marine stores – so it’s pretty easy living.

One of the big chores of preparation is provisioning – making sure we have enough food for 4 people for up to 15 days. The boat is pretty much overflowing right now and the refrigerator, freezer and coolers are packed to the brim. Karl and Scott both bring prepared meals which really helps with the food prep. I’ll make a few more today as during passage you really can’t cook – better to have food that can easily be heated. We do try to have one meal (dinner) together everyday – but the rest of the time everyone just eats when they can.

We are all intently focused on the weather forecast as we get closer to departure. The Salty Dawgs use Chris Parker’s weather service and he provides detailed forecasts based on our destination. The routing has been challenging because there is a weather system down by Cuba (not yet a named storm) that likely won’t be anything hazardous but could kick up some not so comfortable weather (high winds and seas). So as of last nights forecast, our plan is to depart Hampton, VA tomorrow morning (10/31) and head towards Bermuda (640 nm), giving us the option of stopping there early next week if the weather system heads our way or continuing on to Antigua (another if it turns to the west. Either option is good, I’ve never been to Bermuda and it would give us a fun stop, allowing us to get off the boat, stretch our legs and then continue on when the weather is right. If not and we continue on – that’s great too and insures we make it to Antigua comfortably ahead of our scheduled flights back to the states for Casey’s wedding.

A fun surprise on our final day of preparation- JB and Kelley Braun who have just returned from Barcelona and winning the Louis Vuitton Cup on team Ineos Britannia arrived on the dock to say hi and of course to pitch and help us with our final projects – such a treat to see them before we head off!

During passage our connectivity is limited so I wont be posting during the trip, but will definitely provide an update (probably via Instagram) once we reach our destination.