Location: Port St. Charles, Barbados
Many of the crew were startled awake this morning when Zack and Benji shouted ‘LAND HO!’ from the bow, giving Britt, our watch team leader (Watch Team Two!), a self-professed heart attack. I’ll admit, I shared the boys’ excitement at finally seeing Barbados on the horizon. This is due largely to the fact that I’ve grown up sailboat racing with my wonderful family, and the sponsor for many of the races comes from Barbados. The sponsor’s coveted red hats are emblazoned with a yellow depiction of Barbados on the front, and many sailors recognize each other by these hats. Don’t tell anyone, but it’s an unspoken contest among us racers to have the most worn, faded pink hat in the room. So, for many years I’ve had Barbados on my mind (literally), and I cannot believe that I’m finally here!
As we approached the marina at about 0815, we heard a familiar vessel hail the harbormaster on the VHF: Exuma, the gray, stout mega yacht that docked in front of us in Cape Town, had met us in Barbados! I love that about the boating world: it’s a small, close-knit community of adventurous globe trotters who will, with little to no provocation, tell you everything about the sea state, wind, and highlights of the passage they just completed. Don’t worry if you’ve missed a few details; salty sailors love to repeat stories to willing (or unwilling) ears. My poor watch team will attest to that fact. It’s a blessing and a curse that you come to love when you live in the boating world, and it’s beautiful that Argo’s crew are experiencing firsthand the unique bond between those who love the sea.
Thank you to all of the families and friends who have supported us along the way. We’ve made it to the Caribbean after several lengthy passages, and it’s smooth sailing from here. We couldn’t be more grateful to island-hop in the azure waters of paradise. A quick shout out to my family: Dad, I can’t wait for the SuperMac! Mum, I’m so proud of you for making it to Ireland. Andrew, congratulations on your college acceptance! Annie, I still find some of your furs in my clothes, and I miss throwing the ball for you. (Yes, Annie’s a dog.) Lastly, I have to say to the previous blogger, Josh, that I’m unsure as to why I resemble salt water taffy, but the entire crew seems to agree, so I guess I’ll have to roll with it.