We Made It!

We crossed the Finish Line at 5 PM on Tuesday, November 16th just 8 days after leaving Hampton, VA. What a feeling of accomplishment! We came into Soper's Hole in Tortola, BVI and spent the night on a mooring ball waiting for Customs and Immigration to open on Wednesday morning. It was good to be off the "big water" and in the island waters.

Soper's Hole, Tortola, BVI

Seeing land from a distance was exciting. I did not expect us to get in until Wednesday, but the steady winds and following sea along with motor sailing, we moved into a good position finishing at the top of  our class. Most of the boats in the Rally spend a number of hours under motor or motor sailing due to the light winds in a less than favorable directions. We were first (or second  to arrive) in our class if you consider that the other boat that arrived first left several hours ahead of the official start.

Pulling in the fishing lines as we approach land.

It was good to put our feet on land on Wednesday. After Dennis checked us all into the BVI and imported the boat so we could leave it there for the winter, we motored into Sir Francis Drake Channel and eastward to Nanny Cay where the fleet will gather for celebration and awards dinner on Thursday. It was great to see everyone after hearing their locations on the SSB throughout the Rally. A number of boats did not finish with the fleet as they diverted to other islands or stayed on the coast of the US and went on to Florida or withdrew due to weather or repairs. There is a real sense of accomplishment and satisfaction to be here!