May 23 : Diamond Cay Jost to Nanny Cay, Tortola and Happy Birthday special dinner out.

08:00 am: It was a quiet , gray morning at Diamond Cay, Jost Van Dyke, and we were presented with fairly strong sailing winds. The sail plan was a single reefed main, and full jib sail.
Our planned course is to sail through Thatch Cut and between the West End of Tortola and Little Thatch. Once back out into the Sir Francis Drake Channel it was a few miles to Nanny Cay.

With the brisk winds we are making good knots under both main and jib. However , the sailing directions call for us to roll in the jib and motor when transiting the Cut due to narrow
maneuvering room with the Easterly shifting winds. Of course we would be close hauled as the winds are on our bow.

Following procedures, we enter the Cut. Then just ahead we spot a huge 3 masted tall ship, under full sail appearing out of the gray gloom. What an unexpected and beautiful sight.
Erica makes with all speed, and tears down the companionway ladder to grab her camera. This is a special event for us. Most often you may see a tall ship, but she will not be
under full sail. Actually, it is a remarkable feat just getting all those sails hoisted and properly set.

Passing close aboard on opposite headings, Erica is Nikoning to hearts content, as the skipper and I are waving to each other. Great way to start the day.
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NANNY CAY May 23 rd : ( This will be our first time into Nanny Cay, Looking forward to new adventures ) .

Jib rolled out again, we are sailing close hauled up the coast of Tortola and looking for the NAVAID's to keep us off the shoals and reefs on both sides of the entrance to Nanny Cay.
I have read the Cruising Guide and have the entry somewhat imprinted on my wee mind. Erica has a visual on the red and green channel marker buoys. Good eyes.
We roll in the jib and flake the main into the stack pack.

As per procedures, Erica contacts the Nanny Cay Marina Office to advise them of our approach in order to secure a slip for two days .

Cool, we are assigned November 5 in the new marina. We follow orders to set up dock lines and fenders on our starboard side. As we turn into the slip, the dock master and the
skipper of a 62 ft. private charter catamaran are standing by to take our dock lines. Docking was slow and easy and smooth . Dock lines secured with proper cleat hitches, the
dock master slides some heavy dock steps next to our hull . Very nice , that will make our getting off and on the the boat much easier. He also will hook up a fresh water hose and
meter. Wow ! What a nice welcoming . We highly recommend Nanny Cay.

First, we had to check in at the Marina Office. Well, what a upbeat, helpful and friendly staff of ladies they are. I like it here and we just arrived.

All checked in, it was time to reconnoiter the Marina. All within a short walk from the slip were , a peaceful deserted beach, the swimming pool, all to ourselves, Peg Legs Beach Bar,
and all with a view of the neighbor islands including St. John, USVI. Not hard to figure out what happens next, we snugged up to Peg Legs Beach Bar and Restaurant and met the
vivacious Debora, who was manning the helm at Peg Legs. She was right there to assist us with two Caribs and limes . She was brimming with energy, sporting grand true smiles, and made us feel
right at home.

Later, back at Vibeke, we met our slip neighbor , Matt, who was from Britain and the skipper of the 62 ft. cat who helped us with our docklines.
We asked him if he could suggest a special place for a birthday dinner this evening. He suggested BRANDYWINE, so we made reservations for dinner and taxi driver at the Marina Office.
Absolutely prefect suggestion. It was a bit of a drive, about 20 plus minutes. The sun had set, an we are now off the main coastal road driving up a single lane dirt road into a darkening
jungle. Higher up on a cliff we arrive at Brandwine, a fabulous 5 star restaurant, .

Victoria was our server. We fell in love with her vivaciousness and professionalism that was topped off with warm hearted friendship. Added to all of that, we had the best filet steaks that
we have ever had , anywhere on this planet . During dinner, the owner/chef came out several times to talk with us for a minute or two. Actually, he visited and chatted with all of the guests.
They even brought out our desert with a sparkling candle and had the whole place singing Happy Birthday to me.

It was a marvelous evening, and when we walked out after dinner, our taxi driver was waiting for us at our appointed pick up time. No traffic on the way back to the Marina.
Oh, the taxi driver's wife was with him , and she and Erica chatted away for the whole return trip. After driving us to near our dock, they got out of the taxi, and we all
shared aloha hugs. Fun wakes cross once again.

Comment:

For us, when visiting anywhere, In addition to the natural wonders of where ever that trip may take us, a big part of any vacation is the people. And, as you can read,
the people we meet are most always open, friendly, interesting, and fun.

More scoops on Nanny Cay......later.

Denny and Erica