Leg 1, 100 Years Race Finish
For those following the Sailor’s Log, you know that the end of Leg 1 was a real challenge. Team DC arrived in port just past midnight local time. I was able to meet up with Bill after 23 hours of travel time just over 12 hours later. He looked a little worse for wear and had not been able to shower. After snapping a quick photo (a.k.a. evidence) we promptly installed all Bill’s clothes from the trip outside on our balcony, put the man in a very hot and long shower and then set off to explore Punta del Este.
The port city is really beautiful. The flora reminds me of South Africa and the style is very laid back and outdoor oriented. The Dome was installed right next to the Punta del Este Yacht Club right off the port. It is a beautiful Club and they were wonderful hosts to the crew and supporters. The first night we were there they hosted a wine tasting. We fell in love with the Albariño, which are lovely white wines.
The next day it was time to get Bill some manscaping . . . .
If you have been following the race, then you know that the Punta del Este Yacht Club boat won Race 2. This is the first time in the history of the race that the host port boat won its race. Also, the skipper, Nano, is from Punta del Este, is a member of the Yacht Club and his dad is the mayor. He was a local hero. The first two days we were in port, he was on the front page of the paper and the media completely swarmed him at the prize giving. The mayor hosted an Asada at Foundation Pablo Atchugarry for the crew and supporters. It was amazing! It is a wonderful modern art museum and extensive outdoor sculpture trail. They also had whole cow BBQ, traditional dancers and an orchestra. Beautiful day in Uruguay!
We also attended a champagne and caviar tasting on the Commodore’s yacht. It is a 30 meter motor yacht built in 1949. Absolutely beautiful. The Black River caviar company is family owned and operated company. They imported and now raise Siberian sturgeon for the caviar. The patriarch has a true passion and the caviar was amazing. All Bill could talk about was the gyro stabilizer in the engine room (not pictured here).
We had a fabulous week together. Then it was time for the Leg 2 (race 3) start. We lingered down on the dock for a bit, then Bill was off. I got to watch everything from the Supporters’ boat in the harbor. An Uruguay Navy boat shot its cannon for the start and a military helicopter circled the bay to send the boats out. Another less than stellar start for Team DC but it was still fun to watch them take off. Lots of folks on the pier and boats in the bay. Next stop: Cape Town, South Africa!
