rolex regatta

The east end of St. Thomas was buzzing with boats, people and extra traffic to and from the St. Thomas Yacht Club this weekend.

There were 90 boats in this regatta - and both Mark and I had the chance to work on race committee - volunteering over the three days of racing.

I went out on Friday - working on the committee boat. There were eight classes - so that meant eight race starts for two races. From J-24s to a Frers 80 and Andrews 68 - there was some amazing sailing to watch. Having said that and despite some serious distractions, there were times to record and sequence flags to hold up. There was no lounging in the cockpit drinking rum cocktails while watching the race. No sir. In fact, I made the mistake of bringing my camera out on a couple of occasions between my official duties - before realizing that this was not the time to be sneaking photos. In fact, there was a fairly stiff breeze around 20-25 knots and some large rolling waves. Our committe boat was a 47-foot catamaran - and the motion slowly turned a few people interesting shades of green.

Mark worked on a different committee boat with the IC-24s laying marks over two of the days and also had a great time, meeting a number of interesting local people.

Other than sailing and drooling over boats, we have had a busy few days preparing for our business close. Today Mark and I made our way to the laywer's office - hopefully for the last time for a while - where we signed the final papers. Tomorrow we drive to work and start our new venture as the new owners. It will be a very different week - exciting and terrifying - and there will be a lot to learn.

Max has started his school and trundles off with his little knapsack and lunch kit. He is slowly adjusting and finding sufficient transporation-themed toys to occupy his time.

Off to get some extra sleep and will report more soon.

flip flop four...finally

I write this after finally getting our internet working after no access all Easter weekend.

Not only did we get it connected - but now have wireless router allowing us to actually use the laptop in the office or any other area in the house.

To back track a little, we left Victoria after four weeks staying with our families. We arrived in St. Thomas March 19th after four flights.

Four really seems to be our number.

Despite a lengthy trip flying with connections in Vancouver, LA and Philadelphia - we not only arrived ahead of schedule - but our TEN pieces of luggage, boxes, and car seats were the first to arrive off the plane. Hindsight has me wishing I had taken a picture at the airport with all our belongings. However, the reality of the situation was an emotional departure from Victoria and an exhausting arrival in St. Thomas keeping two small children, our bags and my sanity together.

From the airport, we drove to our new home. Mark and Max were finally able to see the house they've heard so much about. It was about the same as I had left it - and fortunately no new tenants lurking in cupboards.

Our first full day in St. Thomas was very busy. After the boys managed to sleep 13 hours - we decided Julian could handle school the next day and dropped him off. Mark, Max and I went to Import Supply to meet with the current owner to discuss final closing details and next steps. There was a mountain of mail waiting for me in the office.

The rest of the day was filled with administrative tasks and shopping for supplies. After paying bills, getting groceries and trying to get our social security numbers we collapsed back at our house. The evening was spent lying on chaises longues cushions on the floor (our temporary sofa) eating pizza and drinking Caribs (and apple juice).

Arriving just before a four-day weekend meant a bit of a stall in our very long list of tasks to be accomplished before month's end - however - it did have the advantage of allowing us to catch up on some sleep and enjoy the island as a family.

It seems so much busier on the island right now. The airport was a zoo when we arrived and hotels, beaches and local attractions seem to be hopping.

We went to the yacht club for dinner on Friday night and signed Julian up for pee-wee sailing lessons. The upcoming Rolex Regatta begins next weekend so Mark and I volunteered to do some race comittee and other work for the race. A number of race boats are here now - so it's fun to see. In fact, Mark thinks that Renegade is anchored in the bay just below us right now. Binoculars are packed and in transit - so it's hard to tell.

We visited some beaches on the weekend - Max can't get enough of the "po-po" (which incidently is a Max word for: puddle, pool, ocean - any body of water...and it can also mean pillow - so one has to carefully assess the translation).

We were also encouraged to participate in the Easter Egg hunt near out home and the yacht club. A very large number of children scrambling for eggs. Julian loved the event running as fast as he could collecting eggs. Max threw a classic terrible-two tantrum and screamed and cried.

Our furniture and belongings are on a train right now. They will travel across Canada to New Brunswick and then will be shipped to St. Thomas. In the meantime, we are making do with with our few bits and pieces. It is making us realize that we don't really need a lot of our "stuff".

Busy week starting tomorrow. Julian back to school, Max starts his new toddler school and Mark and I get ready to learn more about our new venture.

I really need to get to bed earlier.

Victoria. Vancouver. visas....vamos!

Good News - we have our visas! What a lot of work and excitement for what is essentially a stamp in our passports. Mind you, a very important stamp for us.

We have spent over two weeks as a family in Victoria. And as of next Tuesday - we will be getting on a plane to St. Thomas to start this new chapter.

In the meantime - we have been busy finalizing our move. Sold a car, the boat and have organized the last of our things. Our furniture and household items are ready to ship now we have the visa and should be there in 3-4 weeks.

Enjoying our time with family and have greatly appreciated all the help and hospitality!