Preparations for the rally are continuing in Las Palmas, with more seminars to attend and work being done on all the boats. On the 31st October the kids went trick or treating on the other pontoons and all along the family boats pontoon, and gathered enough sweets to last them across the Atlantic and back, and probably until October 2024.
Dwight, Neil and Mike have arrived and have settled into the boat, so the crew is now all complete. The positive impact that they have brought has had a massive impact on getting the jobs done. Will has even started to learn to delegate (though it was clearing a blockage in the heads and cleaning up afterwards). We have also enjoyed having my sister Alex over to visit us, and she has been able to experience the build-up to the start of the rally.
However, there will be a change of plan for some of us: Sophie has decided after much deliberation that she doesn’t want to sail across the Atlantic. A combination of things going wrong on the boat, coupled with some scary moments at sea on the way here, have left her feeling very uncomfortable about sailing longer trips. All of this in addition to her being prone to sea sickness and not really eating on passages has led to Sophie being extremely reluctant to sail on longer passages. We don’t want to force her into something which she is very unhappy about doing. We tried to get her more comfortable with sailing on the way here, but sadly this has not changed her feelings about it.
Sophie is ok with shorter trips, perhaps a day or overnight sail, and she loves arriving at new places and exploring, but unfortunately she has been dreading the prospect of two weeks at sea, and so reluctantly we have agreed that she doesn’t have to do the crossing. I will accompany her, while Will, Lucy, Neil, Mike and Dwight will do the crossing together. Sophie and I will spend some more time in Gran Canaria, and then fly to Grenada (possibly via the UK) before Valent arrives in time to welcome her in.
In conjunction with Sophie’s decision a bout of pragmatism has set in. We have always been committed to returning the girls to mainstream education by September 2024. As a result of all of our boat problems over the last couple of years, we no longer have time to complete a circumnavigation. In the time available we could only reach Australia and that had been our aim. However it is very expensive to get your boat back from Australia, or to sell it there given the import tax. Even the alternative of sailing her back would require at least 2 people with 4 months available and the associated costs. Even more reluctantly therefore we have decided that we have no option but to sail to Grenada and do a Caribbean circuit, working North and returning to England in the Summer of 2024. It is a galling decision, but the only sensible option left open to us after being let down so badly by certain contractors.
This is all obviously a very disappointing change to our plans, however we have agreed to it to make sure that everyone continues to enjoy the adventure. With the shorter sailing journeys as we island hop through the Caribbean, we will still be able to spend time as a family sailing to and exploring the many different islands. We will also be able to do this in company with the other ARC+ family boats with whom we have become good friends. On a positive note it also opens up the option of visiting the East coast of the USA before sailing back across the Atlantic.
I’ll write another post in the next few days with an update on the start of the rally, and to explain how you will be able to follow Valent’s progress across the Atlantic.
That all sounds very sensible. A hard decision, I’m sure, but plenty of time for more adventures after the Atlantic crossing. Xx
Well there I was planning the 4 month trip next year to bring Valent back from Aus two handed with Will!!
Seriously though, having a new plan that makes the objective of the original plan, namely to have a brilliant family adventure, makes such good sense. A Caribbean adventure sounds perfect and by the sounds of it will suit Sophie, and therefore you all, so well.
I think it worth noting, that the last thee years, various contractor challenges, Orcas, and the demands of keeping up with all the Valent demands, both expected and unexpected, has been a fantastic journey, a credit to all for doing so well. The planned stuff enables memories the unplanned events defines and enriches them.
Good luck in the ARC, stay safe, have fun, make memories.
Paul
Your are modeling great parenting! We will miss having you along the way but sure hope to keep in touch and sail together in the future!
Wow, you guys have had some tough decisions to make for this trip, but it will still be an amazing adventure. You’ll find some great places to visit in the Caribbean and the US. As Suzy knows the BVI are beautiful (Soggy Dollar Bar here you come!). Safe travels.
Lots of great places to visit around the Caribbean! Poor Sophie with the sea sickness. Something I suffer from too which is why Dwight is with you guys crossing the Atlantic. If you want to spend time in London doing stuff before flying to Granada, welcome to stay. Bit like a house swap! Bon voyage to the others
A shame as you indicate, but definitely the right decision in the circumstances. Just have fun and enjoy yourselves – the adventure lives on! Guy x
An interesting read; especially as some of the issues were reminiscent of my sister’s trip in 2021 on Playing Around Too. Diane, Barry and Alex enjoyed sailing around the Caribbean; then sailed back to England the following July so that Alex (13 at the time) could start grammar school. They found it hard work on their own, especially as Diane and Barry caught Covid when they docked in the Azores.
Harry and I were similar to Sophie in that we too did not like the rough seas, mainly during the night. I think you have made a good decision to fly with Sophie to Grenada.
Sorry to hear about the change of plans but I’m sure there will be other opportunities and you now have an exciting new network of like-minded pals to join forces with.
All the best for the Atlantic crossing and if you’re in or even just passing through Heathrow do let me know. XxxX