We set off for Antigua in some of the most perfect sailing conditions we’ve had on this trip – about 15 knots a little south of east. However, we still had to motor sail, since we needed to charge our batteries and we didn’t want to take the center awning down because of the intense sun. We’ve been surprised throughout this trip how quickly we run through our batteries: we suspect the biggest culprit is the fridge, which has to work much harder here than in the frigid waters of Maine! This week is Antigua Sailing Week, and we approached Falmouth Harbor with racing going on all around us. The fun continued on land where there were numerous parties and music all around.

We began the change-over from cruising mode to passage mode: there were repairs to be made including getting a new autopilot drive unit delivered from Lynnwood, Washington State. The old one had recently begun making a grinding noise, making us concerned the teeth on one of the gears might be wearing out. So, time for a replacement.

Meanwhile I rearranged the ship’s stores so that I can find the things we’ll need on passage and hopefully nothing will go flying. Having been mostly on port tack since September, we expect to be on starboard for a while, and there’s sure to be something that unexpectedly leaps across the cabin at an inopportune time! Jack and Dru left to fly back to the US, and we hope to start our passage within the next week.