So it looks like it’s a go for departure on Friday morning. We had a weather briefing today at 4:00 pm and a final briefing is planned for Friday 8:00 am. Then a quick exit out of the marina to the start line for an 11:00 am start on the Chesapeake outside of Hampton & Norfolk Virginia.
Our crew Kelly says "Even though Tropical Storm/Hurricane Paloma will be brewing, all of the experienced weather folks say that the cold waters around Bahamas and Bermuda should keep it from developing into anything other than bad weather by the time we’re near. If it comes to it, we can always divert to Bermuda until it passes. (Bermuda is about 4 days out.) The lows that were off the Carolinas have worked their way up the coast and since Tuesday it has been “blowing like stink” (that’s a nautical term) here. The weather is supposed to move off today and tomorrow things should be a little calmer out there."
There has been a 24 hour flu going around the fleet. Captain Mark had it on Tuesday. Captain Janel has it today. Our biggest regret is that she may not be up to preparing the frittata that has become a tradition for breakfast on departure day. We’ll have to save that for arrival day in Tortola.
So today was our last trip for provisioning and a last trip to West Marine. Rod is now cooking us a Roast Pork dinner that we are all looking forward to.
The last major job is to start stowing gear so nothing can fly around while we are underway.
We just had the draw for our watch times. For those not familiar with crossings - Someone must be watching, navigating, steering the boat etc. 24 hours a day for the next 7 to 10 days - we drew the 8 to 12 watch (am & pm). So Rod & I will be on watch from 8 am to 12 pm and then again 8 pm to mid-night. I think we got the best watch!
Remember, you can track the fleet and get more info at www.carib1500.com. Our boat is Nana Maria. Kelly - one of our crew, has been sending updates to this web-site so watch it to hear more.
If you want to reach us, we will not have access to our email after early Friday am until we get to the BVI's but you can email us at Mark & Janel's email address: nanamaria@ocens.com. Please put your emails in “text” format, no pictures or attachments and keep them short and sweet. We are using a Sat Phone and it is SLOOOOOW and expensive. Also, if you respond back to one of our messages, please delete our original message.
