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Trip report: June 24 to July 15 Captains Compass
#286352
07/20/2022 10:52 AM
07/20/2022 10:52 AM
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Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 75 Dundas, Canada
NeilCanada
OP
Traveler
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OP
Traveler
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 75
Dundas, Canada
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We where fortunate to be in the islands for 21 days, split between 2 groups of friends. This was our 8th trip in the BVI's and it is funny how friends take a keen interest when I describe our past adventures and ask.."the next time you go...we are in!!"
This was our first trip arriving by air to EIS. Buffalo to Charlotte to San Juan to Beef Island via American Airlines. No concerns with the connections and all our luggage made to/from the destination. That said, we will most likely fly to St Thomas and take the ferry for future trips as I feel I would rather sit on a ferry and start the trip vs sitting in an airport terminal for the final connection.
Mr George was waiting for us at the airport and Brent had Star Gazer ready for us at the dock. Star Gazer is a Leopard 45 with loads of room with an entry to the forward deck from the salon...all crew mates loved this access. Brent, from Captains Compass, was fantastic to work with!! Very responsive over the past year with planning, an excellent briefing and the vessel was spotless with everything in working order.
As you can imagine, over the course of 21 days we hit all the regular spots and anchorages.
Highlights: The Baths never disappoint. you can now access in both directions as Covid protocols relax.
Cooper Island is in great shape. The pan seared tuna salad was the best we have ever had!
Saba Rock is back and better than ever! Mathew the bar manager( a Canadian from Engelhart) was very entertaining and friendly. His recipe for an Expresso Martini is a must have!
BEYC 2.0 is back with the facilities looking great. A few of us were at the beach bar in the late afternoon and struck up a conversation with a nice down to earth lady. Turns out, she is the grand-daughter of the original owner and is the current CEO of the resort! It was fascinating the hear about her childhood and visits to BEYC when she was younger. She hopes more to come with the resort and we can wait to see the progress on future trips
Tom at Blunder Bay resort was also very friendly and engaging. We would certainly recommend a visit as the infinity pool and restaurant was amazing and both had great views. We watched the activities of the Poker Run from the pool whilst enjoying some cocktails..
Although there were some jelly fish in some anchorages, the snorkeling was fabulous! That said, the sea grass was prevalent across the islands. This did cause some issues with the generator and air conditioning as the inlets became clogged. Brent and Mr Boots addressed the issue quickly.
We would definitly recommend Genies at Manual Reef Marina. The food and atmosphere was excellent! You can tell that Genie takes alot of pride in her food and menu! Serendipitously we ran into Manpot as he was leaving Genies. It was nice to say hi as we met Manpot on our first sailing trip to the BVI's many years ago when Saildoggie introduced us.
Overall a great trip and I would not hesitate to return for an extended duration. I would also not hesitate to recommend Brent at Captian's Compass for his service and his fleet. Hope to return very soon...
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Re: Trip report: June 24 to July 15 Captains Compass
[Re: Brent]
#286390
07/20/2022 06:31 PM
07/20/2022 06:31 PM
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Joined: Jul 2020
Posts: 450 Bay Area
Husker
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Jul 2020
Posts: 450
Bay Area
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Ahoy Capt. Niel,
Thank You Very Much, eh.
YES, I am looking for more quality cats to manage and charter out.
Fair Winds, Brent from thecaptainscompass.com Brent - Can we talk? Just sent you an email. Chris clloyd309@gmail.com
Last edited by Husker; 07/20/2022 06:32 PM.
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Re: Trip report: June 24 to July 15 Captains Compass
[Re: NeilCanada]
#286394
07/20/2022 08:30 PM
07/20/2022 08:30 PM
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Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 1,405 New Jersey, USA
DanS
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 1,405
New Jersey, USA
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Brent and Mr Boots addressed the issue quickly.
Boots is one of the best mechanics in the BVI!
Thanks for the great report! Boots did our boat briefings on two trips with two different charter companies. He claimed he remembered us from the first trip, but maybe he was just being charming  . Dan 
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Re: Trip report: June 24 to July 15 Captains Compass
[Re: capttom]
#286428
07/21/2022 01:48 PM
07/21/2022 01:48 PM
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Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 273 New York, NY
carpeperdiem
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 273
New York, NY
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In respect to Jellyfish, in my experience ( pushing 40 years in the Caribbean now ) the summer months in the week before the full moon are the worst. Actual location doesn't seem to have much to do with it, it's just that some places are more visited than others or the people visiting them choose to report more often. So if jellyfish are a big deal for your crew, schedule your rip near the new moon or at least after the Full Moon as the turtles would have had a chance to eat the jellies as it is a favourite food for them. That is fascinating info CaptTom! Thanks for the share. My next trip will be Aug 15-25, so it looks like we'll be arriving after the full moon on Aug 11 -- https://www.timeanddate.com/moon/phases/@3577342Let's hope the turtles enjoy the feast!
Last edited by carpeperdiem; 07/21/2022 01:50 PM.
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Re: Trip report: June 24 to July 15 Captains Compass
[Re: NeilCanada]
#286443
07/21/2022 07:31 PM
07/21/2022 07:31 PM
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Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 637 Vail, CO/St. Thomas, USVI
caribbeangirl13
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 637
Vail, CO/St. Thomas, USVI
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I should mention as well the Brent has added a mooring line to the vessel. The line is already secured to the forward cleats and incorporates a double loop with a strong carbeener to attach the line(no chaffing). My crew loved this as it made securing to the pennant very easy as you didn't need to incorporate two lines from the starboard and port cleats.
Would love to see a picture of this setup.
Sue s/v Ripple Leopard 40
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Re: Trip report: June 24 to July 15 Captains Compass
[Re: NeilCanada]
#286468
07/22/2022 10:34 AM
07/22/2022 10:34 AM
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Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 148 The Beautiful BVI
Brent
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 148
The Beautiful BVI
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Ahoy Captains, I use a Bowline on the cleats on the metal strut between the bows on a Leopard yacht. Anyone can use a cleat hitch. Anyone can also use the same hard point on the bows used by the lines for the anchor snub. I use a bowline to the same hard point on the bows on the Lagoon yacht as used by the lines for the anchor snub. If you use the hard points on the bow you must use a very high quality Stainless Steel shackle if the hard point is a tight fit. With a SS shackle I do not think you need a SS thimble, but it would be more reliable. The only source in the BVI for high quality Stainless Steel shackles is now sold out of this – https://sea-dog.com/groups/266-snap-hook model # 151125 about $100.oo. This quality of line is available at Nanny Cay Marine and Golden Hind at about $3.oo foot. I would start with 1’ of line for 1’ of LWL and cut to fit. https://budgetmarine.com/catalog/ri...ublebraid-line-polyester-16mm-red-flk-f/ with 14 mm for under 40’ Yachts and 16mm for over 40’. I can Not over emphasize how important it is to get a Snap Hook with over 3000 lb. rated load. The model #151125 shackle on a Leopard 45, with a displacement of 30K lbs, will start to deform the shackle at the gate at 50 Knots and gusting. The shackle is the weakest point. Capt. George, Very Good Question. If you use a cleat hitch on the cleats on a Leopard you Can release this rig under load, but you would be abandoning the rig to the mooring, a small price if the Yacht is in danger, and possible to reclaim later under favorable conditions. With a Bowline you can Not release this under a load. You can cut it in an emergency at the hard points, a small price if the Yacht is in danger, and possible to reclaim later under favorable conditions, minus a few feet of line. I will post Pictures ASAP. Fair Winds, Brent from thecaptainscompass.com
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Re: Trip report: June 24 to July 15 Captains Compass
[Re: NeilCanada]
#286668
07/26/2022 07:02 PM
07/26/2022 07:02 PM
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Joined: Jul 2020
Posts: 450 Bay Area
Husker
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Jul 2020
Posts: 450
Bay Area
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Hi Husker It was much easier to negotiate one double line thru the pennant eye with attachment to the shackle vs a Line for port and starboard.... this was the reflection from my crew....just sayin'.
Ah! Now I get it. The bridle is set up already and all you have to do is take the loop thru the pennant eye and back to the shackle. Pretty slick. I agree with the other comments favoring cleat hitch to the deck rather than bowlins. One concern may be that the shackle a single point of failure, if I'm understanding the setup correctly.
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Re: Trip report: June 24 to July 15 Captains Compass
[Re: NeilCanada]
#286686
07/27/2022 09:01 AM
07/27/2022 09:01 AM
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Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 148 The Beautiful BVI
Brent
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 148
The Beautiful BVI
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Ahoy Captains,
Please consider, if You rig the Brent Bridle to the deck cleats, that the line will have to pass around stanchions, over the metal strut (crossbar) between the bows (and the sharp edges at the end of the crossbar), over or under or around the hard points for the turnbuckle / swage / wire for the standing rigging that passes over the arch on the crossbar, and then down to the actual Brent Bridle. All these contact points, generating wear and tear, are exactly what the Brent Bridle is intended to avoid if It is secured to the cleats on the crossbar or the hardpoints shared with the anchor snub. And it keeps the deck cleats clear for other lines such as dock lines or hurricane season.
This ‘Brent Bridle’ is designed to be semi-permanent. The Bowline is chosen as it looks more difficult to tie than a simple cleat hitch. I don’t want the Yacht out on charter with the 5th mate, Uncle Jim Joe Bob trying not to spill his 7th cocktail of the evening, trying to ‘fix’ a cleat hitch on the bridle with one hand at 9 PM at night.
Fair Winds, Brent from thecaptainscompass.com
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Re: Trip report: June 24 to July 15 Captains Compass
[Re: NeilCanada]
#286693
07/27/2022 10:23 AM
07/27/2022 10:23 AM
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 907 Middleburg, VA
cwoody
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 907
Middleburg, VA
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Hey Brent, Been using a similar bridle for some time. ![[Linked Image]](https://photos.smugmug.com/Other/Misc/i-CbLQZBq/0/b84c7be2/M/Wichard%202-M.jpg) Thats a Wichard mooring hook. Breaking strength around 6000#. Note the piece of hose I use as a locking mechanism. Wichard 2329Going to modify my bridle to add the loop extension to run through the mooring painter like your design. Thanks
Chuck W.
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Re: Trip report: June 24 to July 15 Captains Compass
[Re: MIDiver]
#286714
07/27/2022 04:00 PM
07/27/2022 04:00 PM
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Joined: May 2019
Posts: 137 Southeast of Disorder
Time Will Tell
Traveler
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Traveler
Joined: May 2019
Posts: 137
Southeast of Disorder
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I am sticking to my old school method. Nice and secure and no worries. I hear ya! But if you are single handing and want to hook up to a mooring ball rather than drop the hook, this would be awesome! Biggest problem I see with it is taking away my entertainment at the helm when the rookies are running around getting the lines thru the eye and running to tie to the cleats - all while wrapping the lifelines! It is almost too simple! Husker - take a long line, fold it in half. 6 feet up from the center, tie in that mambo spring carabiner (shackle). Take the free ends and secure to whichever cleat or anchor point you want the bridal attached to on the boat. Now you just feed the loop end (center of the line) thru the eye of the mooring ball/painter and secure in the shackle. That's it. This is the picture Brent posted earlier in the thread - have to use a little imagination about the right leg, but it shows what you need to see ![[Linked Image]](http://www.thecaptainscompass.com/images/IMG_20220722_152756.jpg) Took me a minute to understand the shackle tie in - suddenly there was a big knot and 4 lines! lol Nicely done Brent! Keep Smiling!!!
Peter s/y Time Will Tell peter@syTimeWillTell.com
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