Ep 108 Atlantic Crossing Pt3: Squalls Catch Us At St Lucia!

Squalls are focused small storms, with wind speeds that can approach and exceed gale force. As we get closer to the Caribbean, these become more and more common, especially at night, to the point that we’re rarely less than a few miles from one. Since they travel roughly east to west at speeds of about 10-15 knots, they catch up to us from behind. But with radar and the ability to steer to port and starboard, we can sometimes change lanes and let the squall pass to one side.

As we approach the finish line in Saint Lucia, boats that were previously far away begin to converge. And as all sailors know, if you have two or more boats headed in the same direction, you have a race. Talisman is well positioned for this as we had kept to the north, setting up a favorable wind angle for rounding Pigeon Point and into Rodney Bay. This turns out to be a key decision, as several boat didn’t have the angle to make the point at Pigeon Island, requiring them to jibe and head north for a half-mile or so before resuming course. It was satisfying to see, in a schadenfreude kind of way.

Winds die off some as we enter the protected waters of Rodney Bay, but no matter. We’ve left most of the other (several) boats behind and it’s just us as we cross the finish line.

Many days later we watch from Talisman at dock as the final ARC 2019/2020 boat is towed into the marina. Later that night, we head to the ARC Awards Ceremony to see how we finished overall (Did we Win!!!). It’s hard to know for sure in advance how we’d place since the start times were based on when your boat actually crossed the start and finish lines. Plus, as it turns out, while not against the rules, using your engine for propulsion while under way is penalized by the officials heavily. Only the computers will tell the final tale.

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[Ludwigoliv]

It's so cool to relive these moments! Even cooler because some of the footage is from my chest cam so it's exactly how I remember 😁

[larrysellers]

Excellent. Congrats on the crossing. Thank you for putting these videos together. I know that they are a lot of work to film, edit and publish. Despite all the work, you are allowing many of us to live our bucket lists through your videos. Thanks for opening up your lives and sharing your adventures.

[normanboyes]

Now that is a real achievement on so many levels.Amazing you did not have to use your engine and also achieved a fast passage time. A real tick in the box. Thank you for slaving away putting this video record together it captured it well. Well done Talisman is a fine ship and served you very well your crew were great assets too😀👍⛵️

[davidleatherbarrow]

Congrats to all aboard Talisman.

Your chosen course appears to have worked out very well for you. Very Good seamanship to have chosen so well.

Well Done to you all.

Thank You David.

[sethile]

Congratulations!! Fun to watch... thanks for taking us along!

[SVImpavidus]

A great series of videos guys. Well done! Sail Safe Guys, Ant, Cid & the pooch crew.

[AgentRafa]

Congrats, you made the crossing, it looked to be an amazing experience. Thank you for sharing it with us keyboard sailors, it's much appreciated.

[mvdeehan]

Well done placing so highly Kevin, Wendy & Team!!!

[petertorrey]

The sailing life has both of you looking 10 yrs younger. It does seem that the Oyster was a great choice ! Congrats on a fine, safe and speedy passage.

[skytechea]

Well done guys, looked like a good trip.

[lawrencekirwin]

So happy and proud of you! Go Team Talisman!

[PaulGabow]

you are great!)
take third place is cool)
Congratulations)
I saw your exit from tenerife alive. it was very pleasant to worry about the boat I know.
All the best, Kevin and Wendy!)
Greetings from Russia.

[dutchglobetrotter]

Crossing the Atlantic without using the engine is an achievement on its own.
Well done Talisman crew.

[billhanna]

Well done sailors - real sailors - fairwinds .

[Cptnbond]

Well done all of you. I can't just stop admiring how Wendy always looks so calm and cold headed in all of your episodes.
Kevin, you are lucky man to have her onboard in this great sailing adventure.

[chrisscott]

well done and I have enjoyed following along since you bought her. I recall you rarely turned the motor off on the trip home. You have come along way since the early days

[migaguiar]

Amazing crossing and amazing result ... 16th place in corrected time (overall table) is just fantastic !!! well done .. just sad that was only 3 parts... should be one episode per day ;)

[grahammewburn]

I'm impressed with how the jib was secured. I love sailing videos where I can watch sailors sail.
Thank you Gray

[davidgilbert]

I had some big smiles watching that - thanks and congratulations!

[bethmeredith]

Congratulations!! Well done!! Thank you for sharing your adventure. It was so fun to watch! PS Always love Talisman's theme song.