Homeward Bound

Jangada Too is on her way home aboard Sevenstar's vessel the Statengracht.  ETA 12/13 September. Hopefully a smoother crossing for her than the outbound journey.

Drinking up the atmosphere

We're continuing to enjoy our time here in Newport - great weather, fantastic action in the America's Cup and wonderful attentions from our hosts at Newport Yacht Club. It will be hard to head home tomorrow...work on Monday - Ho hum.

Fine food

We're really enjoying the hospitality of Rhode Island - truly a serious Contender for the title of sailing Mecca of the world. We were delighted to have the opportunity to visit the America's Cup village and meet some of the sailors, including Loick Peyron - himself a past competitor in the TwoStar. Yesterday, we delivered Jangada Too to the north of the island where she will be dry stored until the ship arrives to bring her home. It was a bit sad leaving her there, but she is in fine company - we also spotted "Courageous", the yacht which defended the America's Cup in the 1980s was there, still looking beautiful. Last night we went to one of the many wonderful restaurants and indulged in fabulous Maine lobster. Richard is trying to source a boil-in-the-bag version for future races...
The sad news to report is that the "badger" beard is no more - it was driving me nuts and I didn't want to come home with a white chin!
Trev

Medals

Yesterday, we were given the tremendous honour of being awarded club pennants and medals by the City of Newport for our achievement. These medals were cast in 1963, originally for the Americas Cup Challenger-Defender Series and there are only 7 left.
Due to popular request, you will note I've retained my beard for the moment!
Trev

Newport welcome

Well, the last two days have been rather hectic! Our arrival in Newport was, in itself, quite a spectacle, as thunder rolled and forked lightning flashed around us. But we were on a mission to end our epic adventure in style, flying a full spinnaker and main in 17 knot gusts through the narrow entrance past the fort. An exiting tanker and overtaking gin palace didn't matter - we just went for it and, once over the line, doused the spinnaker and dropped the mainsail soon after, in perfect order. Twenty two days, two hours and 48 minutes. Job done!
We moseyed down the bay to the Newport Yacht Club, following a huge RIB, with James, the Race Director and Norm, the Commodore of NEwport Yacht Club on board, which had met us at the entrance, where we received a cannon salute and tied up. Due to Customs regulations, nobody was allowed contact with us until they arrived. However, we didn't have to wait too long and they kindly invited us to do all the paperwork in the clubhouse. It was so funny seeing Grace and Richard having to be given permission to hug by the Homeland Security ! Everything was in order so we were then immediately whisked to the bar and imbibed copious drinks -it was impossible to spend any money yourself. The welcome was so tremendous. After a suitable period of rehydration we went out for huge steaks, collapsed into real beds and slept for about 10 hours - fab!

Trev

The first drink ashore!

Trev & Rich have cleared Customs and Immigration and are now enjoying a large libation!

Nearly there!

For the last few hours I have been glued to the AIS Tracker on my phone, watching as Jangada Too sails ever closer to Newport. See you in the morning guys!!