Yesterday Chsalonina became the 14th rally yacht to arrive safely in Antigua. Our photo shows a moment of great elation for every yacht that gets in. Jeremy, with rum- punch in one hand and beer in the other is celebrating to the full. Although he had made one Atlantic crossing 10 years before, for many this is their first adventure across an open ocean. So it is a great mixture of relief, a sense of achievement and well-deserved pride that each crew member enjoys as he touches solid land for the first time in 3 weeks.

Bali Blue, Briet, Amber Sea and Mercury Rising are expected to arrive tomorrow. They have been a bit delayed by calm weather at various stages and by equipment failures. Except for Mercury Rising who made an intentional detour to visit the Cape Verde Islands. We are joined by six new yachts in Antigua. So we say a big “Hello” to Aqualuna, Island Kea, Lorrigray, Orchestra, Scott Free and Ursula. Ursula is making her own way across the Atlantic, from the Cape Verde Islands. She will join us in a few days.

Meanwhile, the rum-punches are flowing, the crews are adjusting to 8-hour sleeps and trying to stop the ground swaying beneath their feet. In the baking hot sunshine of the Caribbean they are making the most of coral-sand beaches, lush green hill country and some lovely welcoming smiley faces.