Thursday April 26, 2012
Day two of the race was mostly spent on Casa Mare’. Someone asked about a parade that was to be held in town yesterday and couldn’t find it. Someone said they saw 3 beauty queens in the back of a pick up truck and thought that might be the parade. Guess that was it. There is to be another parade Saturday or perhaps Sunday, both days of which rain is predicted.
The race goes on! It was really windy out there and I didn’t want to do another day of dinghy surfing in the bumpy seas. As it turned out, we got some pretty good pictures right here from the boat, especially at the end of the class A race. They came back about 20 feet from Casa Mare which lent to some excellent photo ops. It was a rather exciting day, we have come to the conclusion there is no book of rules here for sloop racing based on how they did things during the course of the day. The first Class C Race went pretty smooth. It was the B class that was really exciting but confusing. Just after the starting cannon, someone announced that there was a broke down yacht at the Windward marker and they could not move. So...before the first leg was rounded, it had to be moved, which it was, to a safer place. The first boat rounded it correctly but the second boat rounded it incorrectly and the rest of the boats followed...incorrectly. With some shouting, protesting, questioning and confusion, it was suggested that the ace be restarted. It was but the winner of that race obviously protested and decided not to race in the re-run. The radio was back and forth all day questioning what happened and then pone of the officials said please don’t discuss this over the radio. So who knows who really won. Maybe tomorrow after a few heads are cleared and a good night of sleep, it will all be sorted out. We took a quick run to St Francis Resort to get some Internet tickets and Fred got the last bunch of 5 and gave two of them to me. What a sweetheart! Tida Wave left the harbor right next to Casa Mare’ to cross to the other side. That was a parade in itself. They seem to be the favorite here. Rolly Gray used to own and sail Tida Wave and won often. He has since passed and rests in peace in Staniel Cay. Fred was there at his funeral. He was one of the most respected sailors in the sailing Regattas! Tida Wave still races today and is now owned by Brooks Miller. The Class A race was delayed so that took care of the beach hike we were talking about doing today. It was suppose to start at 3:30 but was delayed until 4:00 because of the restart then Red Stripe tore a sail so it was further delayed then one of the racing sloops anchor was dragging which I have no idea what they did about that as the start was at the government dock in Georgetown. We couldn’t see it so I am not sure when the race started. We don’t wear watches on the boat. It would be my guess that perhaps someone had to change hats or something...but the race finally started. We had fantastic views as they passed right off our stern, allowing again the opportunity for great pictures. We watched men go overboard and one boat bowed out of the race as it’s mast fell into the water, taking her sail with it. Tida Wave won, Lady Muriel was second and Red Stripe (the one who tore a sail) was third. As Tida Wave and Lady Muriel came back over they again passed Casa Mare’ celebrating their wins on deck, waving to all the cruisers. It was a sight to see.
I was below trying to download the pictures when Fred yelled to run up and bring my camera. There were two dolphins playing around Casa Mare’. I would guess the hung around for about a half hour, swimming around and under us. That was a first for me. I have never been so captivated and Fred said they were mother and baby, although the baby had grown quite a bit. They play around here often but never around Casa Mare’ like this. Another great gift from God! Had we left the boat and ran the race, we would have missed it. It was worth the day long wait.
Fred was hoping we would be leaving Tuesday but the weather now says no. Things change. We will be out of here when God gives us the window. Although we never intended to be here this long, we should have been in the Abaco’s by now and probably reading ourselves to cross to the US if we didn’t lose the outboard although this has been an incredible stay. This extended stay has been a bonus and we hope to have more opportunities to do this again. I hear over and over again, don’t rush it or you will get yourself in trouble. I am glad Fred is such a cautious sailor.
I want to join my dear friend Janet in her celebration today! I send you my love and a great big hug Janet! You are a wonderful example of someone who believes she is worth it! I believe you are too!
It has been a wonderful day. God is watching over all of us!
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