Thursday, November 1st

Today is a day to attack what remains of the pre-departure checklist aboard Cutter Loose.  The chainplates are rebedded, jerry jugs containing the emergency fuel supply are secured and the lazarette locker is organized to withstand the inevitable heeling and motion at sea.  Yet another excursion to West Marine in the shuttle van produces the required supplies to accomplish these tasks.

The social gathering for the evening is a group dinner at Marker 20, a local eatery on Queen Street just two blocks from the marina.  Entertainment is provided by the Barefoot Davis Band featuring lead singer Davis Murray.  I first met Davis in the 1995 Caribbean 1500.  He has participated in every Caribbean 1500 event since its inception in 1990.

While observing the festivities at Marker 20, I am in awe of the volume and intensity of female participation in the Caribbean 1500.  One might believe instinctively that the Caribbean 1500 is an event designed for male skippers and their sailing cronies while the spouses and significant others fly to Tortola to meet the arriving boats.  But nothing could be further from the truth.  The Caribbean 1500 women are actively involved in planning and executing this voyage.  They are active participants in the seminars and work hard to prepare the boat for departure.   Preparing for the Caribbean 1500 is a 6 month process that is packed with details and responsibility.  Without the participation of the women of the Caribbean 1500, many of these boats would never leave the dock.  I am profoundly grateful to Pat for her preparatory work and her willingness to participate in this voyage.