CARIBBEAN AIR CHALLENGE
GOVERNOR GENERAL’S CUP
CARIBBEAN AIR CHALLENGE
By Catherine Tobenas & Mark Helseth
Photos: Robert Sirdey
In 2009 the International air Rally record crossing of Canada’s 10 provinces and three territories marked a new beginning for the Governor General’s Cup upcoming events
Promoting general aviation across the continent and beyond, the Governor General’s cup knows no borders: from the Arctic to the islands of the Caribbean, reaching South and Central America and two ambitious projects on the drawing board: the New York to Tokyo and flight across Atlantic…..
Flying with a group of professional flyers and passionate people from around the world; bringing aviation to small communities, making local kid’s dreams a reality, is a unique opportunity to demonstrate that aviation doesn’t only serve the needs of a small group of privileged individuals but is also a pretext to reach out to the people and more so bring joy to the young in each and every visited destination.
International Air Rally organizers had their share of challenges since 2003. April 2010, opening the borders of 4 Caribbean countries in 10 days to a group of eexhilarated pilots from 7 different countries was again a major accomplishment and a total success !!!
Indeed! The pictures do not testify of any type of challenging situation. Indeed it was a heck of a fun relaxing and full of pleasant surprises type of rally ! even a couple of busted tires, mostly Canadian rubber exposed to unexpected heat… or the last diversion due to severe storms –forcing ??-- all to enjoy one more day at the Peace and plenty Resort, couldn’t take away those smiles from participants faces. Pilots flew VFR enjoying the astounding continuously changing scenery.
Again this year it wasn’t about the plane you fly or the experience. From the slowest PA28-140, Wag Aero, Cessnas and pipers, Cirrus and Beach, etc… to the Pilatus PC12 from age 20 to age 75, it was about great wonderful people looking to live an exciting and rewarding friendly experience and an opportunity to visit the islands like no one has ever before. Some pilots added to the challenge by crossing the USA from North to South or daring to beat the volcano dust while flying cross Atlantic.
Planes regrouped into categories building a “buddy type” loose formation flying technique Pilots would share position and information on a set frequency.
Many will say, what about the eAPIS? What about custom clearance? Yes what about it ?
No big deal at all when you are prepared. Might have been a bit hairy for eAPIS first timers but surely isn’t anymore…. As far as customs, the collaboration from our partners and customs officers assigned especially to our group and the manifests sent ahead of time by the committee made the operation smooth and hassle free. A diversion to Port au Pprince was made possible thanks to the collaboration of Airport authority and the Mayor’s assistance.
April 17 Ft. Lauderdale, Florida - Exuma Island, Bahamas
Today is assembly day at Banyan Air Services, Fort Lauderdale, jumping point for 21 airplanes and 54 excited individuals from all over the globe as we prepare for a 10 day – 2000 Nm journey across the islands of the Bahamas, Hispaniola, Puerto Rico, Turks and Caicos. Banyan FBO provided generous discounts on fuel, life rafts and life vests as well as a charter service and gathering room for the group
Canada was well represented this year with 5 crews. One of them sponsored by NAV CANADA. Participants have flown from Ontario, Quebec and Nova Scotia (Canada), California, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, North Carolina and Pennsylvania (USA) Overseas teams included pilots from Australia, Slovania, Croatia, France and Switzerland. Europeans rented aircraft from Florida to the exception of one team who flew straight from Geneva to Exuma intl onboard a Pilatus PC12, the Challenge starting point. Five different Caribbean countries visited by pilots from 7 different countries, it was no doubt an International event.
Following a safety briefing highlighting the challenges of over water flight and the frequencies that we were to use departing US airspace, we loaded the planes and the first aircraft taxied out for departure at 10:30am. Steve and David, Committee members flying a Piper Seneca were to be the last to take off on every departure making sure everyone was in the air.
Flying at 5,500 feet above the ocean on our easterly heading and about 30 minutes off the Florida coast, we got our first glimpse of the turquoise, powder royal, sapphire, indigo, teal, aqua, azul, and azure (whew) coloured waters of the magnificent Caribbean seas. The range of colors is truly breathtaking. It is the kind of scene where the mind is so overwhelmed with the explosion of color one is content to let the eye wander from hue to hue and just enjoy the raw beauty.
Welcome to Exuma ! Exuma International: George Town:
Beautiful weather, warm welcome and beautiful smiles set the tone of the two day visit to Exuma and a layover in Inagua..
Sharmain and Leonard, Bahamas Tourism coordinators greeted all on arrival. Customs declarations and paperwork were quickly expedited for 54 entries with the help of lovely ladies using the customs list of aircraft and full passenger information provided ahead of time by air Rally organizers (same procedure every destination) most got to taste Bahamas beer “KILIK” at the bar across the street before embarking on the bus to “Peace and Plenty” our new “home” for the next two days.
The name says it all: Plenty of peace and Plenty of fun !!! Plenty of everything we can expect from the Bahamas… Neville, the owner and manager was the perfect person to undertake with great calm the crowd that invaded his lobby at one time. He also was ready. No wait at the counter, the pool bar overlooking the beautiful azure water was calling.
Pilots and crews looked forward to enjoying every minute of a two day stay. Rooms overlooking peaceful lagoon, a couple of sailboats anchored in the bay, a coconut tree by the window, a hammock on the balcony… Caribbean music, friendly locals and refreshing punch it was simply paradise…
Prior to supper, Sharmain escorted the group into town.. Searching for Captain William Kidd the famous pirate memorabilia we run into Ken. Ken Nixon is a historian the man who knows it all! said Sharmain. Ken was invited to join us for supper and give a lecture about the famous pirate Captain William Kidd who favored Exuma’s Elizabeth harbor to anchor his ship. A cove was named after him: Kidds’ cove. Ken told the story of how the slaves were freed and received rights to the land.
After encountering many obstacles including the smoke from the Groenland volcano, the Swiss/French Pilatus team of Aurel, Simone, Andre and Christine finally arrived at the hotel during supper and were greeted with applauds. Crossing the Atlantic, stopping in freezing St-Pierre and Miquelon and then proceeding through the Bermuda “triangle” was no doubt a great accomplishment from the start. Though it was Aurel and Simone’s their fifth participation to the International Air Rally event..
Today is a day “off” from flying. We get to enjoy the white sandy beaches, ice cold refreshments and tropical sun.
Water Taxi to the Chat n Chill
The next day we awoke to the same beautiful blue colors No alarm clock no luggage no bus to airport today ! After full breakfast of bacon, eggs, toast and strong coffee, yes indeed just like at home. Some followed the church bells and joined the locals for prayers before meeting Sharmain, Leonard and the group at the pier to jump in the waiting water taxi.
Located just across the bay from our hotel is a small private island that we could call a “day resort”. Transient sailboats and yachts and seaplanes stop at the island to eat, explore and mingle. The island is called “Chat n Chill”. The name says it all.
The day ended enjoying the band and rum punches. Pilots and crew bounded into one of the largest group of friends I have ever seen in any rally.
19 April 2010, Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic
We left for Santo Domingo in the Dominican Republic stopping in Inagua for refueling and lunch.
The distance from Exuma to Haiti or Santo Domingo is too far for most of the aircraft’s fuel range. This was a great opportunity to stop in Inagua for lunch. George Harris and I spoke many times about having the locals and especially the children come to the airport to see the planes and meet the crews, however what was prepared for us once we got there was beyond expectations. Junior high school children took the afternoon off. Music teacher and director assembled their best dancers and musicians for a show right outside the small terminal building. The dancer’s costumes rivaled a Las Vegas show with colorful and elaborate headpieces and accessories which I believe to be used for the yearly Junkanoo (carnival). Great Inagua’s resident population is around 1,000 Bahamians however the island has the largest concentration of West Indian Pink flamingos reaching 80,000 in certain times of the year.
Children in uniform were proudly singing “Inagua is Bahamas best kept secret” though the temperature reached around 38 degr cent. they kept singing and dancing with a high Bahamian tempo provided by the school band accompanied by the teacher’s electric piano. They received outstanding applause. When the show was over we understood what was in their mind all along ! They rushed to the planes. Pilots opened the aircraft. The boys wanted to become pilots, the girls were shy to admit it also.
We will be back but this time to fly with the kids !
Thank you Mr. Harris, Music teacher and school director for such an outstanding effort! We hope our visit pleased the children and by the way congratulations to the teachers and the parents, these kids are so well brought up and educated!
Enroute to Santo Domingo, out of 21 only 5 volunteered to fly into Port-au-Prince, Capital of Haiti (Tom Schrade, from Reno Nevada - Camil, Catherine rally organizers and media, Don and Pat, from California Matthew and Victoria, from south Carolina and Adam Carney from New Jersey)
Along the way to P-au-P the first thing we noticed as we crossed the coastline was the desert-like sage brown landscape on the Haitian hills and mountains. I understand that for over 300 years the entire island’s tropical forest has been systematically clear cut first for sugar cane then for lumber and finally to heat homes. There is almost nothing left of the original forests. Without the vegetation to stabilize the soil, the top soil is being stripped away – with disastrous results to the agriculture and economy.
We continued our flight over the barren countryside on course for landing at Port of Prince. Approaching the urban outskirts of Port of Prince; we started noticing a random pattern of telltale blue traps indicating roof damage. The closer we got to the airport the tarps lost the random isolated pattern and became neighborhood tent cities. The airport was crowded with military equipment helicopters and trucks
Mayor Jean Yves Muscadin Jason and right hand Paulson Pierre-Philippe had arranged to host a press conference to present to the local media the person behind the impressive donation of 3 circus tents totaling 34000 Square feet fully equipped with washrooms, AC and furniture. Since February 2009, Catherine served as coordinator and liaison between all parties involved: Mayor Jason, Paulson Mayor’s representative and members of the Clinton and Hilton foundations who brought the financing for trucking and shipping 13 x 40 ft containers from Reno Nevada to Port-au-Prince Haiti. Tom’s donation will serve as hospital and shelter before it becomes a public center to showcase Haiti’s art and culture. Mayor Jason and his beautiful wife kindly accepted to receive the media from Australia and France for an interview under the beating sun.
Haitian TV, radio and press were eager to interview Tom and Catherine about the reasons surrounding our presence and the initiative to Include P-au-P in the Caribbean air challenge list of destinations. Catherine assured the media that The Caribbean Air Challenge will continue to visit the Capital bringing hope and encouraging the people of Haiti to look up to the future. After the tents are up and in service, the project for building two schools using the containers will become a priority in Aviation Connection’s agenda(donations are welcomed 450-969-2247).
After the interview we bid farewell to the mayor and his staff and boarded our five aircraft to join the rest of the group in Santo Domingo. As we crossed mountain border between Haiti and the Dominican Republic the landscape turned from a barren brown vista to a rich green carpet of jungle. Seeing the dramatic scenery change, my heart goes out to the Haitians as it may be generations before the land can heal.
When we got to Santo Domingo we were pleased to learn that the balance of the group was treated to a reception at the airport and had the honor to meet the Minister of Tourism while enjoying DR hospitality with traditional music and drinks.
Dominican Republic Tourism treated us to a wonderful reception and show at the hotel and night tour of the city. We enjoyed the comfort of the Hotel Santo Domingo a classic Spanish colonial style, with impressive high ceilings and immense door ways decorated throughout with rich mahogany native woods and tropical foliage. We dropped into bed exhausted from the travel, heat, humidity, night tour and dancing.
April 20- Mi Cabana Resort - Constanza Aguas Blancas expedition
The awaited “adventure” at last! We departed early the next morning for the short 45 minute flight to Constanza in the mountains of Dominican Republic.
Few pilots adventure to this destination as most group flying leaders prefer the Punta Cana airport connected to a all inclusive resort which provides high levels of security within the resort perimeters.
Constanza’s airport is located at 4,000 ft in a valley surrounded by lush mountains towering to 7,000 ft. The government recently formed an airport commission to promote the airport and region. In our honor; they assembled members of the government and media who flew from Santo Domingo to make the official proclamation of the commission and new airport administrator who happened to be our host in Constanza, Sr. Raphael Collado. A fanfare was playing at the airport as the aircraft landed and the local population was assembled. Interesting point the 4000 ft runway runs in the middle of the Town.
Back at the lovely resort of Mi Cabana, the proclamation was read and members sworn in
The GGC Caribbean Air Challenge participants received the official title of “distinguished visitors of the glorious region of La Sabina” this title was bestowed in the official documents delivered to all during the ceremony. The festivities continued in town with a community supper offered by the City of Constanza. We enjoyed a typical dish and what a surprise a Santo Domingo show: Tourism DR had flown a complete group of professional dancers and musicians to entertain us during supper. The local young dancers joined in and we all got a go on the dancing floor !What an honor and what a reception !!!
April 21 Another day off to enjoy local hospitality and the countryside.
The adventure into the mountains started with boarding four small open-sided trucks (Daihatsu Deltas) modified with two parallel bench seats and a blue trap shade cover over the back of truck. When boarding a modified vehicle like this, one might ask why the modifications? We soon found out that the little trucks were perfect for the job ahead. Before the caravan started a slow climb into the mountains, Manuel, one of the few English speaking locals and guide suggested a stop at the liquor store in town. After loading with what was needed in terms of “beverage” and DR cigars we were ready for anything..
The truck open sides allowed uninterrupted 360 degree views of the incredible valleys and hillsides and handled the narrow dirt road with aplomb as they negotiated the ruts, tight turns, switchbacks, donkeys and wide variety of farm vehicles using the road.
Anthony, eleven or so… had taken place in a corner of the truck. Holding his precious shoe shine box he seemed to be perfectly at his place. Our guides disapproved of his presence however many of us needed to have their shoes cleaned… and the Governor General’s Cup needed a good professional cleaning so we insisted in keeping him around..
Our destination was the 300 foot waterfall Agua Blanca hidden in a tight river gorge only accessible by our vehicles, four-wheel drive trucks or off-road motorcycles. It was well worth the trip. Before departure, the tourism staff mentioned that swimming at the base of the falls would be a refreshing break. Refreshing is right! The mountain fed stream was a bit nippy, but most of the group braved the cool water to enjoy a drip.
Reboarding the Daihatsus for the journey back down the mountain, the caravan stopped a short distance from the waterfall for lunch at Paul Temple’s restaurant. Paul is a displaced Londoner who fell in love with the Constanza area and built his restaurant completely by hand out of native materials many kilometers from the nearest settlement.
The food was excellent served by a chef dressed in the full CHEF attire that included the tall white hat. Once more we boarded the trusty Daihatsus for the ride down the narrow dirt road into town. However, our destination in town turned out to the airport and not our hotel.
Prior to arriving in Constanza, Camil president organizing Committee had gathered a group of volunteer pilots to offer airplane rides for the local high school students. Twelve of the top students, ages 14-17 lined up for their first airplane flight as a reward for high marks. But guess who got the co-pilot seat ? Anthony ! After the twelve students got their rides over their home town, the Air Rally pilots gave rides to anyone (kids got preference over adults) who wanted a ride. We had four planes doing multiple flights for over an hour. I couldn’t tell who enjoyed the flights more; the pilots or the kids. Both had ear-to-ear grins after each flight.
After a quick shower and rest at the hotel, all gathered at the terrace by the pool for supper. Juan Belliard, director of air transport operations and helpers joined us from the first day to take care of aircraft security and flight coordination.
That evening, all the information for flight plans and customs to exit Constanza the next day had to be provided. Clearing customs in Constanza was a unique privilege granted by the Minister of Air Transportation. Constanza airport turned international on April 22nd 2010 exceptionally for the Caribbean Air Challenge group..
22 April 2010, San Juan, Puerto Rico
Leaving Constanza after two wonderful days was bittersweet. We longed for the cool mountain temperatures and yet knew that another completely different but just as thrilling experience was ahead. This Caribbean Air Challenge was about experiences that were far from the ordinary.
No one was to depart Constanza without undergoing the absolute necessary briefing. DR pilots provided us with precise instructions alerting the pilots to the unique requirements of takeoffs at a 4,000 foot mountain airport. For those of you not familiar with aircraft and high altitudes; aircraft act the same as people when trying to run at high elevations. They don’t breathe very well due to the lack of oxygen molecules.
As such, the takeoff ground runs before liftoff, require more runway than normal and the climb performance after takeoff is degraded.
As I indicated in an earlier post; there are 7,000 foot mountains surrounding the Constanza airport. This means that after takeoff, the aircraft have to circle over the airport for a bit in order to gain enough altitude to clear the mountains.
Glancing up after the first group departed; it looked like the flock of birds riding thermals as the Air Rally planes circled before departing to the east and San Juan.
Luis Luhring owner of Tropical Aviation, San Juan, who had joined us in Constanza the first day was leading the group onboard his Socata. Trinidad
The cloud cover and thickness enroute was such that our aircraft (“The Piperazzi” – nicknamed because it is a Piper with a couple shutter clicking camera types on-board) stayed high almost all the way to San Juan.
What was ahead was a sight that only private pilots and commercial airliners could truly appreciate. On approach to San Juan airport, ahead of us stood majestic and impressive the 1539 Spanish Fortress built by Charles the fifth King of Spain to defend San Juan Fort San Felipe del Morro located at the peninsula. 70 acres of green grass covered the grounds. Amazing sight… Denis, Qantas Captain and co-pilot of the PA-32 couldn’t help sharing his excitement: ”Kathyyyyyyyy!!! Loooook!” as we circled around at low altitude to get the right picture. Morro means muzzle and this is what it looked like from a distance: The muzzle of a frightening monster scaring away the invader.
The interesting item that both Dave and Steve (piperazzi plane) noticed was the proximity of the downtown buildings to the airport. They seemed somewhat close after landing at island airports in the middle of the ocean with nothing around them.
After expediting Customs clearance thanks to our appointed lovely Puerto Rico customs coordinator aircraft were pulled on to the Topical Aviation parking area.
What a reception!!! Tropical Aviation rolled out the red carpet for the Air Rally. The Civil Air Patrol cadets were on hand emblazoned in red safety shirts directing and moving aircraft on the parking ramp with typical military precision. On the counters, cold refreshments including the famous Puerto Rican rum and Coca Cola along with water and soda.
Two beautiful ladies in colorful clothes welcomed us at the door . Tropical Aviation is an elegant and sophisticated top of the line facility built to provide everything pilots on the move need. The spacious building was the perfect place to receive all the 54 members of the Air rally with a steel drum Calypso band. The music took over as we walked through the doors. It was nearly impossible to stand still with the infectious drum rhythm coursing through the room. Many of us found themselves tapping feet or swaying to the Calypso beat.)
After enjoying the hospitality of Luis Luhring, we loaded the copious amounts of luggage into the waiting buses for a stop at the hotel. Nora was ready for us and check in was quickly expedited. She knew every minute of our stay was counted so we could just drop our bags and get on the bus heading to town the Old San Juan that is !
Rather than touring with the bus, many requested to be dropped off so they could freely wonder around and get a chance to visit the fortress before closing time. . A visit to the six-level citadel is like walking through a military history of Puerto Rico from the 1500s to the 20th Century. cannons still facing the ocean, we really get the right idea about how the soldiers used to live in colonial times, The Town of San Juan is incredibly similar to a Spanish Town with narrow streets colorful houses, iron balconies, paved streets with the old stones brought by the Spaniards. The stones had a beautiful blue colour to them, We learned these same stones were offloaded the Spanish ships and replaced by gold cargo for the return. We were surprised to learn that Pina colada was created in one of the Old San Juan taverns we stopped to see..
We meandered down the narrow streets visiting the small shops set in historic buildings, sat on the public “plazas” found in many parts of the City.
Soon it was time to meet at the Latin Roots ! Famous club where people like us can, for a few hours get into the skin of professional salsa dancers ! With the help of Salsa professionals or not! We enjoyed the music, the dance and the atmosphere.
It was amazing how the Caribbean islands so close to each other offered such a diversity of cultures, flavours, rhythms, and history! San Juan was definitely a place to return for more. Too short too little! It was time to go…but we knew that we would be back. A Pilot from New Jersey said: I cant believe I made it to San Juan ! But now I know I can do it I will return with my family and friends..
We learned from our hosts, that besides the great San Juan ambiance some of the reasons we must return is to enjoy five of the most exciting and beautiful Caribbean attractions: the Vieques Island, Vieques Biobay is one of the most bioluminescent bays in the world. El Yunque, home to the only tropical rainforest in the U.S. National Forest System. Culebra Island (culebra means grass snake), off Puerto Rico’s eastern coast, well known for its unspoiled beauty, Playa Tortuga (“Turtle Beach”), appreciated by nesting turtles and the Camuy Caves on Río Camuy close to the awesome Arecibo radio telescope offers some seriously adventurous trips . The Camuy cave system is the third largest in the world. The tour through the caves goes through subterranean ravines to the edge of caves over 600 feet deep, as well as an underground river. The more daring will adventure down the mouth of one of the caves. There certainly are many small typical and rustic towns we should investigate to enjoy the hospitality of the Puerto Rico people and local traditions and culture as we did in Constanza.
I am sure you can imagine what a contrasting experience was ahead of us the next morning on our way to the island of Grand Turk. In Turks and Caicos.
We thank Luis Luhring of Tropical Aviation and Vanessa from the Tourism company for coordinating the event and making our visit to San Juan an unforgettable experience !
23 April 2010, Island of Grand Turk Capital of Turks and Caicos Islands
Leaving San Juan we did a couple
circuits of the El Morro fortress still standing guard over the
city before heading north to Grand Turk.
Our route to Grand Turk will be a bit of a backtrack as we skirt the northern coasts of Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic before turning northward. Along the route there is a Dominican Republic national park called the Parque Nacional Los Haitises. Robert Sirdey and Mark hoped to get some quality aerial shots of the park’s mountain cliffs as they thrust out of the sea. Steve and Dave kept the aircraft low along the coast so we could get some nice shots. Unfortunately, we directed Dave to wrong area on the charts and were “only” able to get the gorgeous palms and white beaches of the northern coast.
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As we walked into the airport lobby a local steel band dressed in traditional clothing was playing ripsaw music. Accompanied by an array of instruments, including maracas, triangles, box guitar, conga drums, goat and cowskin drums, and most amazing and unique the carpenter saw.. I couldn’t help picking up the maracas……
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Our hotel, the Osprey Beach Hotel, was 10 steps from the water’s edge and a refreshing ocean breeze constantly cools us on the beach on the veranda and in our rooms. There was even a fresh water pool that overlooked the water we could use for a rinse cycle after swimming in the ocean. In celebration of arrival and to cool off, a couple of participants even jumped in the pool fully clothed!!
We spent two days in Grand Turk working on the tans, sailing, snorkeling, scuba diving and believe it or not some went horseback riding on the beach !. This island is one of the top five dive sites in the world with a 7,000 foot deep shelf a couple hundred yards off the coast – right in front of our hotel!!
Osprey Beach owned by Jenny, a wonderful lady, was total heaven. Decorated with great taste with the touch of blue curtains decorating the beach side restaurant patio, the high post beds in the large rooms overlooking the beach.
Part of the group went for a visit of the salt museum. Founded by Bermudan Salt Rakers some three centuries ago, salt was for a long time the primary industry. Today Donkeys, horses and cattle the means of transportation during the salt industry period are still wondering the streets and countryside of Grand Turk.
Grand Turk Cruise ship pier hosts about 28 cruise ships per month during the high season. It is quite an extensive facility that can handle the 6,000 guests that disembark from the ships everyday. Unlucky for them they tend to remain at the Cruise Center rather than explore the island during their short 5-6 hour visits.
We all had the honor to share dinner with the newly appointed British Governor, His Excellency, Mr. Gordon Wetherell and his lovely wife at Jimmy Buffet’s Margaritaville restaurant located in the Cruise Ship Center.
The next day was again to relax. Bohio resort offered free snorkeling all day . At night we all gathered at the Bohio bar by the beach enjoying the band and a great BBQ, ending up dancing and having great fun with locals.
Grand Turk is a Caribbean jewel and we hope to return soon. The next day brought us to Providenciales Turks and Caicos most developed island.
Provo, as it is nicknamed, is only a short 45 minute flight from Grand Turk – but it is a world away regarding accommodations and tourism.
Highrise condominiums and hotels populate the coastline and large scale tourist activities abound.We lodged at , The Alexandra Resort. An amazing; four separate 4-story buildings facing a pool with two walking bridges over the pool and a poolside restaurant with a sunken bar at water level amongst tropical landscaping and curved walkways.
Jetskis, sailboats and other water sports are available for rental across the island. Some of us opted for a combination snorkeling and sailing trip on a large catamaran. We boarded the “Arielle” and set course for the outer reef. Anchoring at a permanent buoy (to avoid damaging the coral with a standard anchor) we donned masks, snorkels and swim fins for some underwater exploration. The fish were decked out in all their brilliant colors of iridescent blues, greens and yellows. One of the snorkelers got to see a reef shark lazily swimming in the shallow water. A real treat.
After about an hour of exploring the reef we rendezvoused with the catamaran and set sail for home. Captain Don Eisenberg (Air Rally participant and ex-navy) took us all the way back to the beach in front of the hotel.
26 April 2010, Island of Exuma
Last day ! Taking us back to the Bahamas with a stop at the beautiful Skybeach resort for lunch, Governor’s Harbour Eleuthera and then off to the final destination Treasure Cay for the ceremony honoring the winners of the challenge. The runner up team was the team of Matthew and Vickie from North Carolina.
The normal routine for the pilots is to get up at the crack of dawn, logon to the weather service and plan the day’s flying based on winds, cloud levels and possible frontal activity. That morning the pilots got a surprise. For the first time during the trip we had weather forecast along the route that required some serious study.
A line of heavy thunderstorms was moving eastward off the coast of Florida toward our final destination of Treasure Cay. The weather briefers indicated the storm – highlighted in yellow on the radar – would arrive at Treasure Cay about the same time as the lead aircraft. This meant the slower and tail end aircraft might not be able to get in.
As the Air Rally team always does in situations like this; we launched a couple faster and better equipped aircraft to scout the weather ahead at various altitudes for the rest of the aircraft. Weather forecasts are only forecasts and sometimes the prognosticators don’t get it exactly right.
However, as the lead aircraft approached Treasure Cay, they discovered the weather forecasters were right on the money this time. Time for plan B.
Prior to launching, the pilots discussed a multitude of diversion options in case the weather forecast was correct. As the lead aircraft turned back, Camil recommended that we all divert to Exuma – our first stop on the rally. Stopping at Exuma would allow us to get far enough north so all aircraft could make the USA on the final day in one hop. It also meant that Sharmain would be there to help us out and so would Neville from Peace and Plenty.
Sharmain was already at the airport when we arrived getting transport and accommodations organized for all within an hour or so we had cleared customs and were on our way back….. home: Peace and Plenty that is. Neville (Mr. Lee) the owner handed us back our keys, mobilized kitchen staff to serve us a late lunch of cheeseburgers, fries and drinks. . we jumped in the pool before supper and watched the storm come in. Everyone was safe and still enjoying the last hours of being together with friends..
Mike and Tyra may have started a new tradition for the Caribbean Air Rally Challenge – pool dipping fully clothed. This time we had a pool full of people cooling off still attired in their Air Rally t-shirts and travel clothes.
Most of the group spent the afternoon relaxing and informing loved ones via email of our change in location.
At the end of each rally, we have a final awards dinner where the Caribbean Air Rally Challenge winner is announced. The winning team will have the honor of getting their names permanently engraved on the decades old 30” tall silver Governor General’s Cup.
The Caribbean Air Rally Challenge consists of Camil handing out navigation, aeronautical and ETA questionnaires to teams at various times during the rally. Participants work on the questionnaires during the daily flight or sometimes at night with a time limit imposed.
For little change this year, Camil picked the top three scoring teams for a Jeopardy style Q&A contest about everything we had learned on our journey across the 4 different Caribbean Countries. None of the teams knew this was coming and it was fun to see their expressions when announced.
Steve Weaver (AKA Alex Trebek) asked the contestants the nine Final Jeopardy questions while Dave Schrader watched for signals that they knew the answer.
Team Bonanza; Raj, Don and Bill drew first blood with two quick correct answers, Team Cirrus; Mike and Tyra were next, closing the gap with a correct answer. Then Team Comanche; Matt and Vickie started taking control. They got a couple Double Jeopardy questions right and surged into the lead.
2010 Caribbean Air Rally Challenge winners – Matt Hayduk & Vickie Pinkham
When all the questions had been read, Camil confirmed that Matt and Vickie, the leading team, had won the 2010 Caribbean Air Rally Challenge. Bravo!!!
After the victory photos and congratulations, everyone drifted off to enjoy time with each other for the last time.
Mark and I, have enjoyed sharing this experience with you, this story is alive in our minds and will remain in our memories adding to all the unique and memorable experiences we enjoy every year.
We hope you will join us to experience the magic of the international Air Rally.
Upcoming event:
Caribbean Air Festival November 2010 taking place in the beautiful club med Resort in San Salvador and the neighboring island of Rum Cay Bahamas.
Don’t miss the 2011 Governor General’s Cup Caribbean Air Challenge for more information please visit www.airrally.com or write ctobenas@airrally.com
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