New Ride

Everything is OK. A new ride was confirmed on Wednesday. I just forgot to update the blog.

The boat, Ushomi, is a 1998 Dufour 50 that has been modified for offshore sailing with deck hardware that is heavier than standard, epirbs, sarts, two liferafts to ocean standard, surplas lifejackets, etc. The boat travels in relevant comfort for a 50 ft vessel (breadmaker, home cinema, ice cream maker, freezer, chilled water system etc.).

The skipper is an ex Royal Navy Marine Engineer who served on Nuclear subs for 16 years. He is now an RYA Yachtmaster Ocean Instructor and a PADI dive Instructor. This will be his 9th crossing. Similarly, this will be the mate's 4th crossing and is also an ex Merchant Marine deck officer. As for the other crew member, you guessed it, he too is an ex Royal Navy Clearance Diver and a qualified RYA Day Skipper.

As expected, with the change in boat, there has also been a change in the route. The new route is as follows:

Nassau -> Bermuda -> The Azores -> Gibralter -> ?

Fortunately, the new boat sends out a daily e-mail to keep friends and family of the crew updated. So, Leah and mom will be taking over the blog updates for the next month or so.

I leave for the airport in 7.5hrs. Wish me luck!