pictures from regatta

The trip here was challenging (read uncomfortable) at least at first.  Mad the jump from Virgin Gorda first light hoping the wind, and waves, as predicted would moderate somewhere north of Saba.  Unfortunately it was 30 hours of big waves on the stern quarter and gusty 25 kt winds out of .....your guessed it!  the EAST.  We were south of the Saba bank when it finally clocked to the south east and we were able to have a more easy time of it.  The total trip to Antigua took around 48 hours.  We arrived right in the middle of the single hander race and it was quite a sight to see all thouse amazing rigs out there as if to greet us. 

Racing these past two days as seen some really awe inspiring sights, in the fresh trades and waves outside Falmouth Harbor.  The first days racing saw a major collision at one of the marks and another collision and partial dismasting on the second.  I've been crewing on a friends Sparkman and Stephens 34 foot sloop.  Wonderful sailor and the captain is first rate racer.  l'm learning alot about off shore racing. 

The host yacht club is very gracious and has been very generous with the food and rum, emphasis rum.  Racing starts early in the morning and I'm so exhausted wet and cold (yes you can get cold down here) by the afternoon, I'm passed out in my berth by 9.

Couldn't get an shots yesterday due to the condition but here are some pics from the first  and second day.

Mark