5th May 2008 - Got our Delivery Team
Posted at 12:20 PM, Monday, May 5, 2008
I was not aware of the concerns I'd been carrying around over getting Swagman back - until we found a great professional delivery crew couple - and it suddenly seemed like a weight had been lifted off my shoulders.
It's good.
The delivery team is a British / Argentinian partnership - who will be joined from St Maartins by a third person for the Atlantic crosssing proper.
Luckily, our skipper was sailing on an adjacent yacht durinmg race week when he heard of our dilemma. He did already have a job but was worried about the safety standard of the other yacht - so ours was a nice alternative.
We've since had the chance to get to know one another over a few drinks bumping into one another in the limited restaurants around the water here, and we seem to all get on well. They came highly recommended, and most certainly sound like they know what they are doing.
The appear to also appreciate the way we've got Swagman set up - they want to get back to the UK - so the deal suits us both.
Have had the liferaft picked up today for it's latest 2008 service - the delivery team will pick it up next week - as we're off on a plane back to the UK tomorrow.
We estimate Swagman will be leaving Antigua with the team next Wednesday 14th May - via St Maartin for provisioning and added crew - then onward via Bermuda to the Azores for clearing back into EU.
Weather is looking soft - so guess they'll really stock up on fuel and extend the range beyond the current 550 mile capability. St Maartin to Bermuda is 1300 miles, Bermuda to Azores 1950 miles.
From Azores it will be on a final 1200 miles to home base at Lymington UK. The total of 3,500 miles should - God willing - take no more than 35 days.
Can't wait to welcome Swagman home and giving her some TLC. And looking forward to a relaxing British summer.
And if the delivery goes as planned, both the local Hanse Weekend Rally in July - plus the Round The Island Race end June - look to be on.
Baggy cruising sails or not - bring 'em on......
See you all later!
JOHN
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