About half an hour later, two Bahamas customs officers in white uniforms boarded the Polaris.
They politely but efficiently checked the three people's passports and the yacht's documents.
After confirming that all the information was correct and stamping the entry seal on their cruising permit, the leading officer smiled at Lin Yu'an.
"Welcome to the Bahamas, Captain. You're now free to move about."
"Thank you."
After the officers left the boat, Mike walked over to the mast and said to Lin Yu'an, "Captain, it's your turn now."
Lin Yu'an nodded, stepped forward and untied the line of the yellow "Q" quarantine flag that signaled "request," slowly lowering it.
With the quarantine flag coming down, this passage across the Gulf Stream was, in both law and ritual, finally brought to a truly perfect close.
Yet the oppressive air hanging over the dock did not dissipate in the slightest.
