We have officially and successfully made it to the realm of blue water cruisers!  Our first ocean passage was as expected.  There was some days with little to no wind and others with some exciting sailing.

Our onboard weather fax worked wonderfully giving us valuable insight to the happenings of mother nature.  For  a couple of days we made REALLY GREAT progress with 25 knot winds on the hind quarter driven by the high pressure zone pushing eastward. This is the system giving the high winds in north eastern Canada the last few days so we are really glad we left when we did! This tail wind gave us 9-11kts speeds direct to Bermuda with double reefed sails (this is very fast for our 39ft sloop with a hull speed of 7.9kts).  Definitely exciting sailing and the boat handled it easily with the miles slipping by much faster than planned those days.

Those days the cockpit was full of meat ballast as the family found their sea legs.  The captain needed to play multiple roles feeding and watering the crew while sailing over the groaning bodies and working with slimy lines.  Thank goodness the helmsman (mostly Mr. Otto Pilot) and our 13 year old excellent helmsman allowed the Captain to get a few good hours of sleep each day.  All survived and came out the Bermuda side with smiles and new found legs.

Then best – escort from several pods of playful dolphins and an occasional turtle.  Really fresh Dorado for lunch!

The wind will be more consistent as the east trade winds fill in on our next passage to Antigua.  It will be a longer passage by a couple of days but should be less exciting with more able bodied crew.  Many more Dorado and maby a Tuna hopefully for lunch.

For Friends/Family wishing to join us in Antigua, there will be a party in Falmouth Bay the last week of November.  The Catamaran Hotel might be an option.  I’m sure there are many others.  We know a captain that may offer free sailing tours.