Holiday Celebration in Richards Bay

Don overseeing Dennis at the grill!

One of the best things about being part of a rally is the friendships that are made. Most rallies start out with a large number of boats from many different countries. It is only natural for like-speaking participants to stick together at first. Eventually, everyone gets to know one another and friendships across borders are in order.

It just isn't the same without turkey!

We have participated in three different World ARC Rallies: 2014-15, 2015-16 and now 2016-17. Each has been very different in its makeup of boats and crews. And they have all been enjoyable. Thankfully, we were graciously welcomed in to the two we joined along the way and this one is a great group to bring it full circle.

There are always opportunities for Sundowners, BBQ's (or Braai as it is called in South Africa), a before or after (or both) glass of wine, a helping hand, etc. In Richards Bay, we all participated in the Zululand Yacht Club Braais and had our own for Thanksgiving. Of course, the three American boats led the charge on that one!

This group represents Sweden and Australia with

England at the far end of the grill.

The S/Y Into the Blue crew from the Isle of Guernsey

There was no turkey available so we roasted whole chickens on the grill along with other meats and sausages and vegetables. Laurie and Bob from S/V Barbara Jean (and Sturgis, MI) made sage dressing that tasted so good!

I did squash and mashed potatoes and gravy. Mary Beth and Mike from Paradise Found came with salads and vegetables. They don't seem to have canned pumpkin in any of the countries we have visited!

Luckily, I was able to find a tiny little pumpkin pie (SA style) so we cut it into one inch squares so everyone could have a taste. Claudine on Wishanger II made a wonderful apple pie!

Our Thanksgiving buffet! Dining on picnic tables under the stars!

Then true to our traditions, we went around the table and shared what we were thankful for and asked all of the rest of the fleet to join in.

It was an enlightening and moving experience with an international twist. The Europeans seemed to enjoy tasting our traditional Thanksgiving foods. We should have made more of everything! There were no leftovers here.