Racing & Running aground

June 22nd-June 24th

The gentle rocking of their catamaran, *Chasing Destiny*, was a lullaby as Greg and Brandy, with their sleek black dog Katniss curled contentedly between them, sailed towards Green Turtle Cay.  The scent of salt mingled with Brandy’s homemade slow-cooked meatballs, simmering gently on the galley stove.This was it—the start of the Abacos Regatta. Tomorrow, they’d trade their leisurely pace for a taste of competitive sailing, though they knew their “fat cat cruiser” was built more for comfort than speed. Tonight, however, was for registration and the skippers’ meeting, a prelude to the magic they knew the Abacos held.

The morning sun glinted off the turquoise water, a perfect day for a race. As Greg made final preparations on deck, a frantic chatter erupted on the VHF radio. “Two monohulls… run aground… just inside the channel!” Without a moment’s hesitation, Greg, a seasoned sailor with a heart as big as his boat, launched the dinghy. “I’ll be back as fast as I can!” he called to Brandy, Katniss wagging her tail excitedly from the safety of the cockpit. He returned just in time, salty and a little windblown, and a frustrated look on his face. What a nightmare!” he announced as they steered *Chasing Destiny* towards the starting line.

The cannon fired, and the race began. *Chasing Destiny*, true to her nature, lumbered along, a stark contrast to the sleek racing machines slicing through the waves. Greg, fueled by Brandy’s delicious meatballs, chuckled as he expertly trimmed the sails. “We might not win, but at least we’ll eat well!” he quipped. From that day on, fueled by the legend of his timely rescue and his delectable provisions, Greg became affectionately known throughout the Regatta community as “Meatball.”

The awards ceremony at the New Plymouth basketball courts was nothing short of magical. Lanterns strung overhead cast a warm glow, and the air buzzed with laughter and camaraderie. While many gathered in groups, chatting and recounting the day’s events, Greg and Brandy found themselves drawn to the center of the court, dancing to the music. They were the only ones dancing, lost in their own world, until a vibrant local dance troupe burst onto the scene. Dressed in dazzling, colorful costumes, they moved with an energy that was infectious, their music loud and joyous. Greg and Brandy, though initially a duo, were now part of a bigger, more vibrant celebration, dancing the night away.

The next day brought a welcome respite from racing. It was Lay Day, a time for repositioning the fleet and, more importantly, for the legendary party at Grabbers Bar & Grill on Guana Cay. The afternoon sun beat down, but the ocean breeze, coupled with cold drinks and lively music, kept spirits high. Another night of laughter, good company, and dancing awaited Greg and Brandy, solidifying the Abacos Regatta as an unforgettable chapter in their sailing adventures.