10 June 2022 – Friday – READY for the Next Adventure !!!

Two years ago I was planning to race in the Newport to Bermuda Race. But…as you all know, COVID put a stop to all our lives and plans. Finally, this year, the race will happen. Getting ready has required a million details to make sure that everyone and everything is all set.  The new generator I ordered and paid for in November arrived about 10 days ago which is only 3 months later than expected. Oh well…it is installed and working.

Welcome to the Newport Bermuda Race

Newport Bermuda Race – THRASH to the Onion Patch

My crew is great.  This time I have one male crew. His wife and I met in Sweden when she was the fleet surgeon for the Stockholm cruise. She asked if her husband could join the crew.  Since there is no prize for an all female crew for this race, I said sure.  Then I decided that because in boats where there is one female crew she is the designated “cook”, that Chip, our one male would hold the “cook” designation. The importance has nothing to do with cooking really.  If you come in last in your division, they give out a “cook’s prize” which is often a frying pan.  I figured we needed our one male crew to be available in case we need him for that.  Trust in God but tie your camel first!

The Newport race is similar to the Marion race that I have done 5 times. But getting from Marion to the turning point that takes you on a straight line to Bermuda is a big challenge.  Leaving from Newport, Bermuda can be a straight shot to Bermuda as long as the Gulf Stream, a huge river in the ocean, doesn’t give you trouble since it flows in the direction perpendicular to where you want to go. Also the Newport race has professional sailors and very big boats competing.  I am in the cruising class which doesn’t allow any professionals. It’s all about the journey.

You can follow Etoile on the Newport Bermuda race tracking which should be active on the race website by Thursday June16. The race starts June 17. OR…you can see posts by my excellent land support, Joh Cary, who will post occasional snapshots of our progress.  The snapshots are fun but remember, the race is a handicapped event so where you are on the ocean may have nothing to do with how you actually finish. Each boat has a “time owed” to slower boats.

Stay tuned. I look forward to being completely unavailable for at least 5 days! Sunrises, sunsets and moonrises on the ocean with a sky filled with stars…that is the best!