Follow Our Journey! Alpha & Tango – Day 12
Written by Reed P., Captain on Jackalope
Many people familiar with Sail Caribbean will say that challenge day is the day of days. However, the crew of Jackalope awoke to “Eye of the Tiger” and prepared themselves for the North Sound to Anegada Regatta.
The skippers and navigators gathered in the dawn hours on staff boat for a race day briefing with Fleet Captain Harry Thompson. After understanding the starting sequence and procedures, the skippers and navigators returned to their respective boats to drop the mooring ball, raise sails, and approach the starting line which was between a rib (motorboat) and Necker Island.
The fleet was even off the line but Maora quickly pulled out into the lead under full sail. The three other boats elected for a reef in the mainsail as they were all expecting high winds. Reefing reduces the power of the sail but it makes it easier to control the vessel.
Maora held their lead all 15 nautical miles onto the mooring ball. I guess fortune favors the bold. The race for silver came down to the wire. Betty’s Dream edged Jackalope by a handful of seconds. However, the protest committee remains in deliberation over when lines were actually secured on Betty’s Dream. Bringing up the rear was Topaz on their picnic sail. I think they had the best time though.
The fleet went ashore for a truck ride around the island out to Big Bamboo. Once there, Izy gave a lesson on human impact. We followed that with a beach cleanup and some friendly competition.
The fleet returned to the boats for one of Sail Caribbean’s longest standing traditions: the Chili Cook-off! It’s not just about the taste of the chili, but the theme presented. Only pictures can do this evening justice.
It’s hard to believe the program is coming to an end. The crew of Jackalope is starting to feel a little bittersweet. We have an early morning so it’s time to get some sleep!
