At 14 24 27 UTC on 10th December Heartbeat IV completed the ARC 2012. As we came round Pigeon Island from a dead run we gybed onto port tack in about 25 knots of breeze in a lumpy sea – had about a 2 mile reach/fetch towards Rodney Bay and were greeted by Tim Wright taking images. Luckily we had got the boat looking reasonably shipshape and with everyone on the rail he hopefully got some good pics. Then we went hard on the wind to go to the pin end for optimum line bias (racing to the end). Crossed the line to massive cheers and tears from all of us. So after 2800 miles of intensive racing in testing weather we survived. For added thrills on the last night of ~ 200 miles using an Atlantic rig at 0400 watch change (just after Jason says to Nicola – ‘calamity crew coming on watch – mast will be down in 5 minutes) there was a massive bang, depowering, and huge thumping of large object on sails and deck – initially couldn’t establish what had happened. The mast fitting of the spin pole had failed and the pole was still attached to genny clew – partially punched a hole in the main and was then controlled by Trev and JPJ and a spare attached. The final 50 miles was then fairly event free with a scrambled egg, Serrano ham breakfast. Great to be welcomed by the superb ARC 2012 and St Lucia welcome team but also by Mike and Sue Paterson and Mike (ex-Commodore of Marconi Marine Sailing Club). Pleased to be berthed next to Scarlet Oyster and then to catch up with Quokka team. Off the bar and then it all gets a bit hazy for some reason until this morning which dawned with pouring rain! Assorted pics of finish arrival. Thanks to all who have helped Heartbeat IV get to St Lucia and all those who have been following and sending messages. Love from all the Heartbeat IV team – Heartbeat IV listening, out, – Channel Rum Punch.
