On Board Bella Luna During the NARC 2011

They had some very fresh conditions. Looks like the headsail blew out and they are flying a trysail. You can read more about the rally here. It shows the weather charts for the early part of November. I am guessing they got the tail end of Snowpocalypse. Below is an account from one of the boats.   A personal account from Andy Lippman on Catch 22, a Swan 48. “Sailing the North Atlantic is always a trial but never as much as in November when the weather is brutally fast and unforgiving.  Unlike a pure race, where you head south when the race committee so dictates, a rally such as the NARC waits for the best weather window possible.  THe goal is a safe and instructive passage for both the experienced and the novice learners.  But the weather doesn't necessarily cooperate.  This time it was a learning experience for all. We started in fine weather out of Newport, planned the passage across the Gulf Stream, and then headed into expected southerlies from 38 north into Bermuda.  BUt it was not to be.  A surprise low spawned from South Carolina headed straight south of Bermuda and carried a front that gave a gale-force Nor-easter more reminiscent of New England than mid-ocean.  Worse yet, it stalled just south of the island and presented three days of 20 foot seas and 40kt winds.  Even the harbor was no respite. Five boats made it in ahead of the storm, including Catch 22, Calla, Apsara, Avocation and Namaste.  More slogged in through the tough stuff over the weekend, but as of sunday night, seven boats are still out at sea heaving to, by passing Bermuda, or pressing on. There is no better medicine for a hard time at sea than a link with friends, nearby boats, and shore support.  That's where there is real safety in numbers.  A weather routers is great, but friends on scene and in the same situation is a different matter entirely.  On the Narc, we checked in twice a day and left plenty of time for boat-to-boat contacts.   The simple knowledge that one of the group is always standing by and ready to help with words and deeds can make the difference between despair and perseverance.  And it doesn't end when boats reach shore.."