Ep 108 Atlantic Crossing Pt3: Squalls Catch Us At St Lucia!

Squalls are focused small storms, with wind speeds that can approach and exceed gale force. As we get closer to the Caribbean, these become more and more common, especially at night, to the point that we’re rarely less than a few miles from one. Since they travel roughly east to west at speeds of about 10-15 knots, they catch up to us from behind. But with radar and the ability to steer to port and starboard, we can sometimes change lanes and let the squall pass to one side.

As we approach the finish line in Saint Lucia, boats that were previously far away begin to converge. And as all sailors know, if you have two or more boats headed in the same direction, you have a race. Talisman is well positioned for this as we had kept to the north, setting up a favorable wind angle for rounding Pigeon Point and into Rodney Bay. This turns out to be a key decision, as several boat didn’t have the angle to make the point at Pigeon Island, requiring them to jibe and head north for a half-mile or so before resuming course. It was satisfying to see, in a schadenfreude kind of way.

Winds die off some as we enter the protected waters of Rodney Bay, but no matter. We’ve left most of the other (several) boats behind and it’s just us as we cross the finish line.

Many days later we watch from Talisman at dock as the final ARC 2019/2020 boat is towed into the marina. Later that night, we head to the ARC Awards Ceremony to see how we finished overall (Did we Win!!!). It’s hard to know for sure in advance how we’d place since the start times were based on when your boat actually crossed the start and finish lines. Plus, as it turns out, while not against the rules, using your engine for propulsion while under way is penalized by the officials heavily. Only the computers will tell the final tale.

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