23 June 2022 – Thursday – Safely Moored at the Royal Hamilton Amateur Dinghy Club

What a race!!!!

We had a great start. Photos exist on line. Sail USA 60205.
The wind suddenly died as we were in Rhode Island sound. We waited for what seemed a long time and we could see all the other boats around us waiting for wind. When we saw some boats begin to move, we knew we could get going again. We had an easy and very fast Gulf Stream crossing and we picked up more speed riding an eddy just beyond the stream.
Then….on Monday, as predicted, the wind began to die.   

For those of you who have watched our progress, you probably noticed that we went from 2-3 kts to 7 kts and kept going around 7 until we reached Bermuda. We realized that it was unlikely we would finish the race by Thursday evening, the end time. So we “retired” and motored in.

We now know about the many boats that retired in Newport, the death of a captain who was swept overboard, and the many issues with sails and gear.
I feel lucky that everyone on Etoile is intact and healthy. My friend Debbie Matarazzo arrived at the dock with lunch and champagne just moments after we finished tying up. We are enjoying some land time. It’s great to have showers and food that doesn’t need to balance on the lap!
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