Day 9, November 23, 2009
18 30.8 N latitude 61 51.9W longitude
99 miles to Falmouth Harbour, Antigua

Hello Everybody,

We don’t dare make any statements that might jinx us, but it appears likely that Peter will be able to fly out on Wednesday. The wind is holding at about 18 or 19 knots and we’re posting SOGs in the 7′s with occasional 8′s and 9′s! We’re looking forward to sailing around Antigua and into the harbor (directly to the fuel dock) around mid day tomorrow. With any luck that will give us the afternoon to wash away the salt, put away the offshore gear, get into vacation mode and put the beer on ice!

Finally today we had three fish hit Jake’s line: 2 sailfish and a Mahi Mahi. The first sailfish, reported to be a beautiful big fellow, got away with the lure. The Mahi Mahi was given a little slack in the line and got away. Leo got the second sailfish to the boat. He was just beautiful, with a wonderful long bill and tail. As Chris was reaching to grab him he shook the lure loose and swam away. We had planned to release him anyway. When Peter checked his lines he found that his lures were gone–no wonder he hadn’t had any strikes. So the score is now Jake and Leo 2, Peter and Chris 0, fish 2.

No movie tonight. The crew was actually a bit tired today after staying up to watch the movie last night and then standing watches. Tonight everyone not on watch is in bed. We got the cribbage board out, though. Kim and Jake taught Chris the rudiments of the game. Kim played her cards very well and beat the boys handily. Jake is teaching Leo navigation, so this afternoon Leo was entering daily positions from the log book on a paper chart. Apparently the next lesson will be figuring average speeds. We want to set Leo up with a new chart, so he can record all six of his trips on Avalanche. That will certainly give him some practice!

All the best from the crew of Avalanche, looking forward to walking on solid ground, anticipating a cold beer, and sorry to see our trip come to an end.

Day 9, November 23, 2009
19 36 N latitude 62 10 W longitude
166 miles to Falmouth Harbour, Antigua

Hello Everybody,

This is just a quick update to let you know our overnight SOG has been 8.3, at times as high as 9, thanks in large part to high quality hand steering. The wind is holding between 12 and 15 knots and we’re sailing with main, Yankee and staysail. If these conditions hold Peter should make his flight. I neglected yesterday to tell you that the crew decided to forgo a deep water swim in order to save the hour it would have taken, just in case it would be needed to get to Customs in time. What a bunch of great folks!

I’ll report whatever happens today later on. Meanwhile, we’d love to know how the football games came out.

All the best from the crew of Avalanche, enjoying a sunny day with fair winds.