Over and out

here is herbert again, on board of MILANTO.
it's done - earlythis  morning we arrived ,at 03:24 am local time to be precise . due to the genious navigation of Valerio we flew our spi till the cap of Pigeon Island, and crossed the line with white sails up on a perfect beating course . what a feeling! 
berthed in the marina we awaited sunrise....... a moment to be a little emotional.....
Thank you all for following this blog and joining us on our journey.
It's been a great experience, more than great. in fact you should try for yourselves.         The very best to you all
Herbert
ahoi
over and out

My thanks to Josef and Herbert who were delightful company all the way across as well as being highly skilled fishermen! And the whole trip was memorable due to the enthusiasm, energy and cheerfulness of our onboard Neapolitan, Carla.  What a fantastic ARC. Thanks again guys!  Vale

Milanto is now in Rodney Bay, St Lucia

Stating time 9:30. A beautiful morning

Beautiful morning at last

Nespresso is the best!

Josef, Valerio, Carla + Herbert dressed and ready

The night before

Milanto will be leaving tomorrow , Sunday, at  12:45  start2: Racing Division

Last night, crews were given a final send off by the Tourist Board of Gran Canaria at the Farewell Party held at Club Tao. Crews enjoyed drinks and music and were wished fair winds for their crossing by our hosts in Gran Canaria. At the end of the evening, the sky was ablaze with a stunning fireworks display. 

Weather has been playing up -chilly and rain every afternoon.

The team went out for a final supper without the table moving around!

There's just 24 hours to go until the start of ARC 2014. Today is all about last minute checks, making sure there are plenty of provisions on board and perhaps a chance to have a quiet crew dinner before the start tomorrow. 

It’s been a busy two weeks here in Las Palmas with seminars, social activities, guided excursions, safety checks, helping over 1000 crew members that will sail with this years edition of the ARC feel ready and relaxed for the crossing ahead. Skippers have been ensuring their boat is fully prepared, safety equipment checks have been carried out, crew are briefed and provisions are stored on board for the 2,700 nm crossing to Saint Lucia. 

It’s also been a hectic social whirl each evening, with plenty of ARC parties and occasions for crews to get to know each other and to also attend the informative and popular seminar programme. Many agree that it is time to head out to sea again and the lure of the Caribbean calls!

Day 18 Dec 11th

Speed: 7.6 knots @ 234.22°

Position at: 11 Dec 2013 12:00 UTC

Lat/Lon: 15° 29.04 N, 059° 3.63 W

DTF: 169.2 NM

3rd in Racing B

150 miles to go. This will be our last day at sea. Another beautiful day for sailing. Big swell, consistent wind and bright clear skies.We make good progress at around 8 knots and still resist putting up the spinnaker that has proven difficult to handle - our first choice spinnaker having been torn early on in the campaign. This afternoon we relaxed on deck and compared beards. Knot tying lessons have been suspended and fishing was aborted after a suspected Marlin ripped through our lure. Spirits are high.

62 miles to go. Our estimated arrival time is around 1:00 am Thursday 12th.

After 16 days at sea during which the Milanto has seen us through high winds and high seas and through which it has been impossible to stand upright without hanging off the grab rails or any other anchor point, we wonder how we will cope with dry land. General consensus is that a Rum shot with a cold beer chaser will sort us out pretty quickly, a remedy endorsed by the ships designated First Aider/Paramedic, who has also doubled up as the ships cocktail mixologist without even a hint of irony.

ension and excitement is building as we await first sight of land. There is also a touch of sadness that our journey together as the crew of Milanto is drawing to a close. Its been a great adventure that has bonded us together in a shared experience.

Next blog will follow after crossing the finishing line, more news about our performance in racing Division 2 and overall position will follow tomorrow.

PS just as darkness was falling upon Milanto, for the last time at sea, we were visited by a pod of 10 Dolphin that played in our bow wave for about 20 mins. What a great way to end our last day at sea !

Tired but extremely happy to have finished.