And they're OFF! by Catharine (Part 1)

For a while I've been telling myself it's not that big a deal that these guys are sailing across an ocean, starting today.  I've now come to the conclusion it IS a big deal.

There was a frenzy of last-minute stuff to do first thing this morning.  The bimini had to be disassembled, the filters on the water maker changed, weather routing planned, new sails hoisted, final stowing of gear, water tanks filled, all before 0830.  Check!

Here are the guys in their snazzy Helly Hansen Crew Midlayer jackets.  From left to right: 

Adam, Steve C, Steve T, Jason, Travis, Darin, and Ty

And just to switch up the order, here's Ty, Steve T, Steve C, Travis, Adam, Jason, and Darin

We were really lucky to have Edward and Jane host us on Halcyon as Turnagain's official spectator boat.  Here's Ed and Jane wishing the guys well :)

Some emotional goodbyes...

At 0900 they left the dock, and said their final goodbyes to all of us left behind.  This was an emotional time, and it's all finally starting to sink in.