Esmeralde, 1430 Tuesday. We're running out of ocean to try to do some catching up, but we're still doing what we can to eek something out. Flew the Code Zero for a few hours this afternoon, but other than a few short bursts of speed when the wind was far right, it really wasn't doing us much good. We're just a little too close-winded to pull it off effectively. Without a lot of tricks left in our bag, we're simply trying to sail straight and fast and finish the best we can. Should be across the line before midnight, depending on how the wind holds. It continues to be a gorgeous day for sailing. We're holding about 60 degrees apparent in 12 kts (T) of breeze. Quite beautiful, but it would be more beautiful if we were still in the hunt for some silver!
Note: After the fine run described in this and earlier blogs, Bruce and Dorsey Beard and Esmeralde, a Sabre 386, sail number USA 52386, finished at St. David’s Lighthouse at 11:27:34 EDT Tuesday night. They stood sixth in Class 6 and ninth in the Double-Handed Division, just five minutes behind the previous boat.
Comfort, 2210 Tuesday. Near midnight about 25 miles northwest of Bermuda. I know, from our navigation equipment, that we'll be near Kitchen Shoals near daybreak. It always seems kinda sad to me at this point, because it means “the voyage” will soon be over. Beautiful night out here. Soft breeze, bright moonlight with magnificent glimmering on the sea. Difficult to find words. Reminds me of the opening shots of the old Victory at Sea TV series. Everyone is looking forward to being there – for a shower, for a chair that doesn't move (although most of us know that it will feel like it is moving), a glass with ice and a cold drink, meeting up with old and new friends, sharing stories of what went wrong and what we had to do about it . . . but in my case simply sitting there, watching the delightful chaos of all the boats with their code flags, people moving about, without having to worry about anything for a while.
Note: During their five days on the Communications-Safety vessel Comfort in the center of the Bermuda Race fleet, Steven Thing, Ian McCurdy, and their four shipmates maintained a constant radio watch, called boats whose transmitters were down, and provided security for 183 racing boats and some 2,000 sailors.
Star Chaser, 2115, Tuesday. Moored in the Royal Bermuda Yacht Club! Finished!!!! We crossed the finish line at 17:35:24 EDT today. Last 10 miles were in really light wind, but everybody gave their best and we did great! No idea what position we finished in, but we all are very very happy and elated. It took another 2 – 2.5 hours to get to the marina here, but we’re moored and ready to party!
Note: The Swan 51 Star Chaser, sail number GBRL 3205, skipper Wijnand (Boogie) van den Boogaard, stood 12th in Class 4 and 74th in the St. David’s Lighthouse Division, seven minutes behind the previous boat.