There is no phrase that evokes the exact same feelings as "Land Ho!" It represents accomplishment, safety, loved ones, relief, a lifting of the latent awareness of the perils of the sea, an exhilaration, and the promise of...... MAI TAIs!
Kaneohe Yacht club goes all out for the racers. they meet each boat at the finish line with a guide boat who leads you past the coral through the channel and into the harbor. there are line handlers to help the tired sailors dock and tie up the boats. each boat is met by the Mai Tai cart with Hawaiian music, slices of fresh pineapple and the signature drink of the race. that happens whether the finish is at noon or 4 am. it is in a protected bay away from the wildness of the ocean. There is a lovely pool and a bar full of people with the same amazing experiences you have just weathered.
During the final hours, as Bequia approaches the beautiful Kaneohe bay on the windward side of Oahu, we are excited. For as stated, the goal of every race is to finish, but one cannot help but reflect on the setting and the journey. The vastness of the ocean bewilders for sure, but that 5 people in a 41' plastic boat spanned a part of the globe highlights the ever decreasing size of the human world - and emphasizes the global environmental challenge. As for the journey, the ups, downs, saltwater awakenings, and glorious beauty and friendship, moments of charging through the night with spray above the deck, racing squalls of wind and rain, eating fantastically, recovering from spontaneous gear disassembly, pouring over weather faxes and grib files, various setbacks and failures, as well as grand successes and moments of glory mark the time. These events forging a crew in support of each other and ever willingness to contribute more of themselves despite heat, cold, aches, and extreme fatigue in any way necessary to continue forward, overcoming hurdles placed before us, for stopping is not an option. We are truly grateful for the privilege and honor of such a voyage.
-Bequia Crew
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At 7/28/2012 8:40 PM (utc) our position was 24°20.00'N 153°48.32'W
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