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Hell and heaven - The Keys to Turks and Caicos

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So we left The Florida Keys on the next available weather window for the 600 mile trip east (ish) to the Turks and Cacos. It started well, we champagne sailed for 12 hours without the autopilot just using the sails to steer. Then the weather turned, nothing like the predictions. We had 25 knots of wind gusting to 35 on our nose for 4 days. We were not planning to go to the Bahamas as they want $700 for a 3 month cruising license but we did cut across the south end of the Great Bahama bank. It's very shallow, around 8 metres deep, so the waves are small but the frequency was not good to be bashing into it. It was hell, we were burning through our fuel like a Saturn V rocket and only doing 2 knots. (that's 2 days to do 50 miles) After 2 days we were looking to bail out somewhere as we were running out of fuel. The only places were either go back the keys, Cuba (they have no fuel in Cuba) or the Bahamas ($700) Then the genoa ripped. We argued, for the first time on the boat. We we...
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An unexpected visit to the UK

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  When you see this building you know exactly where you are in the world. We had to return to the UK for 2 months as both our mothers were very ill and subsequently died while we were home. It was not a complete surprise but still very sad.  Rest in peace Alma, (90)  and Joyce (86) It was all a bit of a mad rush to get the boat in a marina, extend our boat visa and book flights to the UK. But before we know it we were back in the cold. Within minutes of getting off the plane this was a distant memory In between all the sadness of hospitals, homes and funeral directors we managed to have a great time seeing family and friends. The great St Georges hall and it's amazing organ Got to see it when picking up my Mum's death certificate And now for something completely different Family meal My three contributions to mankind I get this photo once every 10 years or so Out with my 2 sons for a meal and Richie just can't help himself to play the locals in chess. Saw our mate Pete. A...
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