In a fresh northeasterly wind the Blue Planet Odyssey yachts left Stock Island Village Marina at 12 noon on Saturday 10th January.
Leading the fleet out of the marina was Tahawus who are part of the Pacific Odyssey sailing alongside the Blue Planet Odyssey as far as the Marquesas. Norm Harlow and his wife Claudia are sailing with their two boys Mirko (11) and Martin (9). Following closely behind were Chapter Two, Ransom and Gusto. All four yachts soon turned south to cross the Gulf Stream, bound for Montego Bay, Jamaica some 700 nautical miles away.
Accompanying the fleet to wave them off and wish them fair winds was Blue Planet Odyssey yacht Gypsie, who have had to delay their start until later in the year due to unforeseen circumstances. Alongside Jimmy Cornell’s Aventura, which acted as committee boat, they then headed north bound for Fort Lauderdale to remain there until after the Miami Boat Show.
Also remaining behind in Key West were No Regrets and Joyful, who were also delayed to due to technical issues and plan to join the fleet later.
Meanwhile in Martinique preparations are underway for the next start of the Blue Planet Odyssey on 18th January. The two groups will be finally united in the San Blas islands in a few weeks time.