Waving the first crew team off 🐟⛵️🌎🧪

That's it!

S.V. Traveledge has left the shores of England and started its 2 years journey around the world. The winds decided to behave and open the way for the eXXpedition vessel to start its incredible voyage.... mapped beautifully here

I wish I could have been there to wave her off in Plymouth today, the 8th October 2019.

Media coverage has been abundant today, on Channel 5 news, and with a brilliant narration by Emily Penn on Sky News about what eXXpedition is all about in under 3 minutes!

In just over 7 weeks, I will be meeting S.V Traveledge in Antigua, and embark on her board for a 1,013 km / 629 miles journey (bird fly) between Antigua and Aruba, via Bonaire.

Embarking 29th November, as the hurricane season officially subsides a day later!

This should be such an easy voyage:

• The (easterlies) trade winds, which blow northeast from the coast of Africa across most of the Caribbean, should happily push us downwind, an easy point of sail in the main (and in the main sail!) and there shouldn't be any need to beat into the wind.

• The trade winds dominate the region with an average velocity of 10 to 20 miles (16 to 32 km) per hour. Perfect by all accounts!

• Thanks to the chain of islands which form a natural barrier, we should go through relatively calm sailing waters.

• We can expect the odd hot tropical storm in the afternoon (the chance for a quick shampoo perhaps?) but otherwise dry weather.

• With the south equatorial currents nearby, we can also expect some warmth. Temperature doesn’t stray too far from 27 C, all year round!

Wishful thinking this as sailing in never predictable, never peaceful, never uneventful...

I fully expect high winds, choppy waters, walking at 45 degree angles for consecutive days, having my plate slide off the table (that's assuming I have the chance to actually eat), having wounds on my hands from the ropes work and having a skin as arid and salt-infused as the island of Aruba.

And sea sickness tablets will be included in my kit bag, just in case...

Whatever is waiting for me on the Caribbean Sea this winter, I will welcome and embrace fully. The boat can be tracked here

https://exxpedition.com/news/track-the-boat/