Part II
We settled up at Scrub, had a really tight departure from the dock, side tied with Utopia a foot in front of our anchor and a big motoryacht maybe 2 feet from our sterns, motored on to Monkey Point and managed to grab the ball closest to the snorkeling area. Some really good snorkeling, the clarity was decent and good about of fish including some Tarpon that were cruising and feeding, baby squid and just about every other local species. Hot dogs and a cold beer to follow, had some entertainment, two large Moorings monos racing down in tight formation, each crew had matching shirts and floaties strapped on, was comical watching them attempting to grab moorings, one ran the ball and pendant completely over! We set sail, headsail only for Cane Garden Bay, nice, peaceful downwind run at about 6 knots of boat speed. We anchored in close in front of Myett’s and enjoyed just chilling aboard, the young ladies kayaked and stand up kayaked all over the Bay and made a game of paddling under each cat at least once! Had a nice dinner aboard and a peaceful sleep, actually only went to shore the next morning to take some garbage and grab a few items at Bobby’s.
Off to The Bight, Norman Island! Motorsailed along the North Shore of Tortola and through the cut at Sopers, unfurled the headsail in front of Ft. Recovery and saw we were in for some squalls, Doug as was tracking them on an app on his iPad, we did unfurl to a reef point anticipating high winds. We had the main up fully and planned on simply heading up in the gusts, no problem! The first squall lasted longer than we anticipated and we were forced to tack as the shores of St. John were getting too close comfort.
The second squall packed more of a punch, higher winds and a LOT of driving rain that actually felt like hail! Continued under sail watching the wind direction indicator closely and keeping her feathered up in the gusts. We were making over 8 knots to weather and making incredible VMG toward Norman. Doug was watching his radar and kept an eye on a few boats around us that were motoring, the squall finally passed and we had very calm winds, unfurled the headsail all the way as the boats around us were probably in awe that we sailed through those squalls!
We grabbed the ball right up into the great snorkeling spot on the right hand side of the anchorage and were welcomed with some more squalls, time to get my drink on, parked for the night! We saw Blue Moon coming in during the deluge and then turn back out as visibility was almost non existant, they finally returned and grabbed a ball when the squall cleared. The young ladies had a nice, long snorkel and nice visit with a Turtle, the plan was to go into Pirates for happy hour but the weather was not cooperating, nice dinner aboard and prep the ship for a night on the ball. I put the BBQ away just before another downpour and went to center the dink between the hulls…slipped on the sugar scoop and was hanging by a leg over the water, finally fell in, a delayed reaction kinda crash, fortunately a swim ladder was down, nobody was on deck!
Quick coffee and breakfast aboard than a motor across the Drake to Village Cay, Doug had some business to attend to, grabbed some provisions at Bobby’s and filled the mid water tank. Back onto The Drake we deployed full headsail only for a nice downwind turned motor reach to Sandy Cay, it was swamped with one of the youth adventure camps, at least 8 boat loads so we continued to Sandy Spit. Grilled some Dawgs then Doug went snorkeling while I took the girls ashore for some beachcombing and photos.
We shot over to Diamond Cay and grabbed the ball furthest in for again, some great snorkeling with the turtles. Called in reservations at Foxy’s Taboo and were informed unless they get another party or two they would not open. Tried back later an yes, they would open for us. Had the Steak Kabobs again, not near as good as last time, very tough cut, the young ladies had a coconut shrimp alfredo pasta, really tasty, awesome sauce!
Nice, calm night aboard, again, enjoyed the AC!
Coffee and some Turtle photos and were checking the weather from several sites, while TS Chantal was about 500 miles away and closing, we saw the reports that USVI Marinas were on lockdown due to anticipated 50+ knot winds and 13’ seas, we called the Voyage base and were told not to worry about it, I may be the captain on this charter but Doug owns Galeaux and opted to shoot back to base a day early, no worries, yessir! Upon docking we noticed the base was abuzz with Staff lashing boats don, diving for extra chains and generally storm proofing the fleet, uh huh, stay out there don’t worry! Was a non-event, we says some gusts into the low 30’s. Had a surprisingly good meal at Pussers, they had only the downstairs open, decent service and easy. We had tried for Fish N Lime but they did not answer the radio or phones.
Last day aboard, rented a car from Jerry’s and drove over to Nanny Cay, a little pool time and some lunch, the new beach bar downstairs was really nice and the Fish N chips was very good! We wandered over to Carrot Bay to visit the North Sore Shell Museum, what a treat, report here;
http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/s...e=4#Post1521163Headed back to Sopers and called The Clubhouse, yes, they will open for us!
Greeted by Karen and staff, magical evening, awesome Rib Eye as always, everyone was very pleased with their meals! The service was excellent, what a treat, only one other couple dining that night. This was owner’s treat, thanks Doug!
Back too Galeaux for a great night’s sleep and up early too drive Doug over to the WE ferry terminal, saw Val and Kareem, they were sending the kiddos off, also checked the schedule, a 10:15 direct to CA and a 12:30 stopping St. John and on too Red Hook. Opted for the 10:15 so jammed back to the boat and got the girls up and packed, dropped them at the ferry with instructions to buy our tix and ran back to Jerry’s to return the car. Great ride, left on time, very few aboard, C&I at CA was a breeze, less than 5 minutes! We cabbed to Emerald Beach Best Western and were pleased that at least one of rooms was ready, changed and off to the bar and pool! Nice lunch and hey, Steve, (Boatjunkie) Julie and the boys were still there! Was way over-served by Zach and then Tony then cleaned up for a great dinner, they had the Lasagne this time and it was SUPER! Great shore sleep and breakfast with a view, a parting Bloody Mary and off to the airport for a flight that actually left on time! Slight delays in Miami due to lightning but finally boarded for that long haul to LAX.
Came home to a clean house and very happy doggies!
Trip Pics:
http://s6.photobucket.com/user/saildoggie/library/bvi6713?sort=6&page=1
