The lyrics of the 1975 Typically Tropical hit don’t exactly match our intended plans. We are not travelling by Coconut Airways with Captain Wilcock, for example, nor am I going to see my girlfriend in the sunny Caribbean sea.
We are, however, heading for Bridgetown and specifically the Careenage if we can get in there. This is a relatively small marina and we understand it fills up quickly.
The distance to Barbados is approximately 2020 nautical miles, so we expect it to take around 17 days from Mindelo. The weather is looking good, at least for the next couple of weeks. The wind is predicted to be at the side of us for a while and then behind us for the rest of the voyage. And we will be receiving daily weather updates from the rally coordinators to be aware of any change.
Lady Jane is ready, bar a quick hull clean tomorrow, and we are ready too.
So, we are spending the next couple of days stocking up with fresh fruit and veg for the trip with the help of Tom from the Simpatico Sports Bar. Tom has offered to use his contacts to help the Odyssey fleet with provisioning. This is more than welcome as it reduces time and hassle. And he has offered to cook come cadjupa, the local stew, for us to take with us.
In typically lazy style, we are not planning an early start, preferring instead to leave late morning on the 23rd November. Luc will clear all the boats out the day before, so we should be good to go. And I’ll try to send out daily updates while we are at sea.
Wow – it’s time for the Big One! I’ve been wondering when you were going to set sail for Barbados.
Can you believe it was a year ago you had your party Maria? Studying your route displayed in your hallway that night – it seemed so surreal then, especially as it was explained by a familiar Whitney and Bob!!! And there you are now, preparing for your sail over the Pond!
Best of luck guys, may Lady Jane look after you well.
Much love from all of us xxx
Fantastic news, hope all goes to plan and you have a lot of wind ….. you know what I mean 😃
Safe travels
Andy
Wishing you fair winds and good sailing! Hope it goes really well.
We were in Barbados last December, hope you get chance to explore. Loved the hummingbirds and seeing the wild north coast. If you go out by car there it’s always an adventure as there are almost no sign posts!! Take a compass!!!
Take care! Ann & Mick x
Keeping all our fingers crossed that you both have a fantastic sailing experience as you cross the Atlantic. We will be watching your track with interest. looking forward to our next meeting…..Very best wishes from all the staff at GWB.
Wow – this is it, the big leap. My heart and prayer goes with you both. Do bear in mind though, not many people will have the experience, in their life time, you are embarking on now. You are a brave couple and you are both an inspiration. Think of the explorers who did this before you and didn’t know what they were heading for, you follow in their wake. And those of us back home watch in eager anticipation of you’re landing at the other side.
Most important is that you drink in every moment of this experience, enjoy it to the full and stay safe.
It’s been fascinating following your journey so far. You seem to be having an incredible experience and a lot of fun.
Best wishes for your crossing to Barbados, hope for a safe and enjoyable next stage of your journey.
Bon Voyage Allen and Maria! Safe sailing ⛵️ – and hope you enjoy the experience.
Much love, Beverley, Phil and Jack 🐶 xxx
Yowser..safe trip across the pond.
So glad your having the time of your lives, and you both safe and well xx