Changes in Lattitude
Trip Start
May 07, 2007
1
9
28
Trip End
Jun 15, 2007
Ft Lauderdale,
Florida,
United States
Wednesday, May 23, 2007
His reasons are personal and wont appear in this blog. Doing a trip of this nature takes tremendous commitment in terms of money, time, courage, sweat and concentrated effort. The boat can not just be in good shape. It has to be at "aircraft standard" with virtually all ships systems in near perfect shape. After going through months of work to prepare his vessel, he made a very personal decision that it no longer felt right to continue.
So Sue and I found ourselves with the difficult choice of where to go from here after planning this trip since last November. Dave and his wife graciously offered us the opportunity to travel with them up the east coast as far as we wanted. Quite honestly, we have been quite bummed. While we didn't have the financial commitment of our host, we had built our entire year around doing this trip. While we were disappointed, we respect his decision. No hard feelings. He is a fine yachtsman and a good man. Stuff happens.
But, the story may not end here. There are 10 boats in MedBound and 9 are still going forward. This morning, we made several inquires with other skippers to see if they could take on more crew. One by one we were told that all crews were stable and settled. Not even a free bunk to be found. Things looked grim.
Then we saw a couple who we had met who owns one of the other two Nordhavn 62s in the rally: Jerry and Con (short for Connie). While they had a pretty full boat of 5 people, Con and Jerry would see how they might re-arrange accommodations to fit us onto their vessel. Their vessel is bound for Bermuda/New Port RI instead of Gibraltar, we would still get a great opportunity for some blue water yachting and be with some really great people. So with some sacrifice of one of their crew, Sue and I will take on one of their staterooms while one of the single men volunteered to sleep in the salon. We now had a chance. The only hook: Con and Jerry have some friends coming on on vessel in Bermuda and there would be no accommodations on-ship while we are in port at the stop in Bermuda.
As of this writing we are trying to find accommodations in Bermuda. We know of only one hotel which may have a room. So we are hopeful, but the deal is not yet done.
The weather is another factor. The fleet was supposed to leave this Thursday. The wind continues to blow hard from the north and crossing the gulf stream could lead us us into 15+ foot seas. So departure is still on hold pending better conditions. The best thinking now: possible departure will slip to Monday or later.
Things are always changing. Stay tuned.
Comments
Wow, I'm so sorry!
Sue and Gary, I'm so sorry your original plans were were cancelled at the last minute. I can understand how disappointed you must feel. You are very resourceful and brave to keep searching and find a new crew to join. I hope it works out for you. Surely there will be a place to stay in Bermuda. Life just can't be so cruel that you would have to cancel all together for want of 1 hotel room. We'll all put our positive energy vibes out there and one will come through for you! thanks for keeping us all informed and best of luck on this new twist! Love, Joy