25 June 2022 – Saturday – Last Day in Bermuda

Our last full day in Bermuda was rainy. We had 4 invitations to the prize giving ceremony at the governor’s mansion. Since we retired from the race, we weren’t going to get a prize but it was fun to see everyone and see the Governor’s mansion. The rain had finally ended. There was an open bar and crustless tea sandwiches served. Everyone was dressed for the occasion. 

We went back to Etoile for dinner on board and to make final preparations for our trip home. We had a 10:30 appointment to get duty free fuel at the dockyards across the bay. They have a strict time policy with only 5 minutes grace period so we cast off around 9:15 for what was a 45 minute trip. Weather forecast was for no wind. It was important to top off and have the full 200 gallons that Etoile can hold. 

We joined a long line of departing sailboats who were all being regulated by Bermuda radio for exit through the channel that serves as the main entry and exit for all boats, including cruise ships. The radio operator asked for each boat’s specific safety gear including liferaft size and type as well as satellite phone contact. Bermuda is the only place to get help if you need it for the hundred or so miles as you journey forth. Then you are on your own. 

There was virtually no wind and it was HOT!! We had our main sail raised and ready for whatever wind might allow us to even motor-sail. It was pretty boring. The squalls we saw seemed to pass behind us or in front …so no wind. Tuesday night the sky was quite dark with no stars at all. We expected some rain and we got a storm. It poured rain and the wind was about 20-25 knots. It lasted for about 6 hours. Lise had given me my rain jacket as she got off watch. She was the only crew who wasn’t soaked and stressed by the rain. The rest of us just got wet!

That’s ocean sailing. You never really know what is coming. Of course we could have seen the storm on radar if we had looked but we wouldn’t have changed our course. So we just got through it. 
Wednesday morning I had to ask if anyone was bored. HA! 

The rest of the trip was a mix of sailing and motoring. We saw many tankers crossing our path but never had any issues. The tanker captains are very accommodating if you radio them with your name and expected closest point of approach. We see them at least 25 miles away from us because they have very high aerials to transmit their positions. Since we are tiny and low in comparison, they often can’t see us until we are quite close. Best to announce where we are and negotiate a safe distance. 

As we reached Lord’s passage which is our entry point to Fisher’s island sound and Stonington, I tried to have us cleared through with customs and border patrol on the CBP app. As we tied up to the dock in Stonington we were denied entry. 😱
I ended up having a long conversation with Ernie, the New Haven officer. He required a video chat with each crew member. Ernie was very helpful. Then we were in!!! 

That was Thursday June 30. 

We spent hours cleaning and gathering all the laundry and clothes and food that needed to be removed. Solvej, my navigator, who lives in Stonington, offered to wash all the sheets and blankets and put them back on Etoile. That was a major gift! 

I returned to Darien by about 5 pm. My refrigerator and freezer are overflowing with leftovers. It will all end up on Friendship 4 in a week or so. I am no longer swaying with the boat and I got a few nights of uninterrupted sleep except for leg cramps which are typical after a long sail and balancing on board.

Next journey will be on Mark and Bev’s boat. The 4 will be going to Newfoundland. Good news is we will be in a trawler with heat, water maker, washer and dryer, good food and drink and great friends. Based on the expected summer heat here, I think a far north trip will be just right! I have been down the East coast of Newfoundland but not as far north as our planned journey. It should be great fun.
STAY TUNED.