Hi Folks
The following is our trip report from my "captain’s log" of our most recent Caribbean adventure. We chartered a Lagoon 380 and had an absolute blast! I had trouble getting the photos posted so I just posted the sailing log. Enjoy!
Captains Log
Date: Fri. 1/11/08
Boat Name – Cerianne III
Length & type – 38’ Lagoon Catamaran
Air Temperature – 80’s
Water Temperature - 80
Captain - Dan Cowett
Conditions – Rainy
Crew – Dan Cowett, Bonnie Cowett, Lisa Miller, Betsy Graham
Wind speed and direction – 10 to 20 knots, NE
Location – Road Town, Tortola B.V.I.
Global Position – 18.24.8N, 64.36.2W
Comments: Ah! We have been in the B.V.I. for 4 days now. We (the crew and I as noted above) started in St. Thomas as most folks do. We spent 3 days on Virgin Gorda, visiting the Baths, Bitter End, snorkeling off the beaches, SCUBA diving the Rhone and just having one hell of good time. We stayed at Olde Yard Village – the accommodations included a rental car and were awesome.
Today we took the ferry over to Road Town and prepared for the next leg of our adventure – 7 day bareboat sail on a Lagoon 380 catamaran from “Sun Sail” via “Ed Hamilton Yacht Charters”.
Well, when we got to the Sun Sail Marina the boat wasn’t ready so we headed off to the local markets for misc. things that were not included in the provisioning package from “Bobby’s” – who we placed an order with prior to arrival. We boarded our vessel at around 6:00pm and were greeted by Carlton – who gave us our boat briefing – in which I asked way too many questions and took several pages of notes due to the fact that this is the first time I have chartered a Lagoon 380.
Carlton was very informative and polite. The only problems we had were the shore power connection was not compatible with the dock we were on, and the chart plotter did not work. Neither of which were never resolved nor matter much anyway. By the time we loaded all of our gear and provisions we were pretty wiped out and opted for take out from the nearby restaurant bar. The food was delicious. We ate, drank, got acquainted with our boat – Cerianne III – I love this boat! - And crashed early as it was raining a bit and we were tired.
Captains Log
Date: Sat. 1/12/08
Boat Name – Cerianne III
Length & type – 38’ Lagoon Catamaran
Air Temperature – 80’s
Water Temperature - 80
Captain - Dan Cowett
Conditions – Sunny AM, light rain PM
Crew – Dan Cowett, Bonnie Cowett, Lisa Miller, Betsy Graham
Wind speed and direction – 12 to 18 knots, NE
Location – Road Town, Tortola B.V.I. to Norman Isl. B.V.I.
Global Position – 18.19.3N, 64.37.5W
Comments:
We woke to a sunny day! I had to attend a captains briefing at 9:00 at Sun Sail. Betsy and Lisa took the opportunity to top off provisions missing from the list and Bonnie sorted out computer issues with “Ren Port” – a communications rental company that does not always deliver as advertised, more on that later. While Betsy – the designated dingy captain was handling her vessel during a provision run, her motor failed - twice – a new motor, more on that later.
We headed out of our tight slip and into the harbor, past the cruise ships and many other sail boats at round noon. Once in the Frances Drake Channel we headed up and made sail – cut the engines and sailed to Norman Island where we moored just north of the “Bight”. We had an awesome sail day, grilled out a steak dinner. We were getting ready to go to the “Willie T” and the dingy motor would not start. We called Sun Sail and they sent a man named “Gun” who basically took the “new” motor apart, fixed it, and commented that it was fouled fuel causing the problem. He was kind enough to follow us to the Willie T where we tied up and proceeded to tie one on – BIG TIME!
If I only had a camera – We all danced and had a great time – especially Lisa – she danced w/ a 7’ tall New Zealander to an MC Hammer song that made quite an impression.
When it was time to go, the dingy motor would not start (darn!) A sympathetic British couple offered the services of their hired captain and dingy for a tow back to our boat. We were much obliged.
Captains Log
Date: Sun. 1/13/08
Boat Name – Cerianne III
Length & type – 38’ Lagoon Catamaran
Air Temperature – 80’s
Water Temperature - 80
Captain - Dan Cowett
Conditions – Clear and Mild
Crew – Dan Cowett, Bonnie Cowett, Lisa Miller, Betsy Graham
Wind speed and direction – 20 knots, NE
Location – Norman Isl. B.V.I. to Cooper Isl. B.V.I.
Global Position – 18.23.5N, 64.31.0W
Comments:
Ah! Another great morning! First thing after breakfast we called Sun Sail to report dingy motor problem and clogged starboard head problem. We spent the morning snorkeling “The Caves” – awesome snorkel sight – We went in with flashlights and saw some amazing coral formations as well as small schooling fish.
The repair boat showed up at around noon w/ a new (Yamaha) motor and fresh fuel – it worked perfectly for the rest of the trip. The repair men were also able to unclog the head with little effort and no extra charges for the repairs.
After lunch we untied the boat and headed for Cooper Isl. Betsy Graham manned the helm for most of the way while we headed directly into the wind. With not much opportunity to make sail we opted to motor this rout. Bonnie and I enjoyed sitting on the forward portion of the port side hull as we crashed through the waves. I love this boat! Love your boat and it will love you back!
We moored at Cooper at 2:30pm - just in time for Betsy and Lisa to bolt to shore in the dingy to Cooper Island Beach Club to order their famous Conch Fritters before they closed.
Dingy fixed – head fixed – great lunch – we relaxed and snorkeled in the area, saw wonderful coral formations, lizard fish, rays, parrot fish, etc. and just had another wonderful day in the B.V.I!
Captains Log
Date: Mon. 1/14/08
Boat Name – Cerianne III
Length & type – 38’ Lagoon Catamaran
Air Temperature – 80’s
Water Temperature - 80
Captain - Dan Cowett
Conditions – Clear and Mild
Crew – Dan Cowett, Bonnie Cowett, Lisa Miller, Betsy Graham
Wind speed and direction – 18 to 20 knots, E - NE
Location – Cooper Isl. B.V.I. to North Sound Virgin Gorda B.V.I.
Global Position – 18.29.939N, 64.23.222.0W
Comments:
After breakfast we headed out of the harbor under sail and tacked NE up the Frances Drake Channel toward the North Sound of Virgin Gorda. We had a great sail day making 5 to 6 knots of speed under 18 to 20 knot breeze – (power sailing to off the batteries). An approximate 14 mile journey, we had to tack several times as our destination was nearly dead into the wind. After around 3 hours of wonderful sailing conditions we entered the harbor between Mosquito and Virgin Gorda as recommended only for shallow draft boats. We picked up a mooring, settled in and headed off in the dingy for “Prickly Pear Isl.” for a drink and a spell on the beach. Bonnie stayed with the boat and worked on the computer – as it turns out the modem and computer we rented from Ren Port did not work as advertised. We were only able to get on line in certain areas, and will not work with MS Vista at all. We had an expensive lesson. Before dark we got provisions at the grocery store at Leverick Bay – (check the expiration dates on that stuff) – we were lucky and found almost everything we needed. Later on we grilled out some steaks, listened to some reggae, drank some rum, listened to some Harry Belafonte, drank some more rum (Ting and Sting), and had a great evening on Cerianne III.
Captains Log
Date: Tues. 1/15/08
Boat Name – Cerianne III
Length & type – 38’ Lagoon Catamaran
Air Temperature – 80’s
Water Temperature - 79
Captain - Dan Cowett
Conditions – Clear and Mild
Crew – Dan Cowett, Bonnie Cowett, Lisa Miller, Betsy Graham
Wind speed and direction – 12 to 14 knots, E - NE
Location – Anegada – B.V.I.
Global Position – 18.43.323N, 64.23.086.W
Comments:
This is another beautiful day in paradise. We got up early made breakfast and docked at Saba Rock in North Harbor for a free fill up on water (free water w/ purchase of mooring), Ice and misc. stuff. Then we were off to Anegada. We couldn’t have picked a more perfect day to sail to Anegada. I have never sailed there before (or anywhere in the B.V.I. for that matter) but I have heard the trip can be a little bumpy on a windy day – even on a catamaran. We headed N, NW out of the harbor following some other SV’S and following the directions obtained from “BVI Pirate”. After we had several hours of wonderful sailing (I LOVE THIS BOAT! – it sails like butter!) We caught sight of the island and the directions took us into the anchorage perfectly.
While we were under way – the crew and I took turns handling the helm and managing changes in sail. I should also add that crew members Betsy Graham and Lisa Miller have been sailing in the BVI for many years and are a wealth of information on the area. Bonnie and I have been sailing for several years but have never sailed these waters. We love it here! This is great!
After capturing one of the last remaining mooring balls on the west end of the harbor we confirmed our “Lobster Dinner” with the lobster guys, and took the dingy to shore. Off to “Cow Wreck Beach” for great snorkeling, fun and several “Caribs” from the cooler - I took a 2 hour beech nap – one that I will never forget (YUM).
When I woke up the girls were still partying at the bar, talking to the folks who knew the BVI Pirate whose house is only a few steps away – it’s a small world.
Meanwhile - back to the boat to clean up, more rum drinks – Ting and Sting. Then we had the awesome “Grilled Lobster Dinner on the Beach”. We had some of the most delicious lobster ever! After a little Boogie Woogie beech dancing we all headed back to the boat for an early night. Wow – what a wonderful day!
Captains Log
Date: Wed. 1/16/08
Boat Name – Cerianne III
Length & type – 38’ Lagoon Catamaran
Air Temperature – 80’s
Water Temperature - 79
Captain - Dan Cowett
Conditions – Clear and Mild
Crew – Dan Cowett, Bonnie Cowett, Lisa Miller, Betsy Graham
Wind speed and direction – 12 to 22 knots, E - NE
Location – From Anegada to Trellis Bay BVI
Global Position – 18.26.783N, 64.31.923.W – (Trellis)
Comments:
Anegada is Awesome. We woke early, dinked ashore, and headed for Loblolly Beech. On the way the truck – taxi - ran out of gas, we heard that the gas station was out of gas – oh well. They soon found a truck with some gas in it and got us on our way. Loblolly was most likely one of the best snorkeling sights we have ever seen. We saw more fish and coral formations in such an accessible area than ever before. We wish we could have spent more time there. Next time we will.
We had to sail off in order to insure a mooring at our next destination “Marina Cay” (Tortola).
We untied Cerianne III at around 12:30 pm and headed out. We made lunch to “eat on the run” as we had on previous legs of our trip – you see – the crew – Betsy, Lisa and Bonnie - are the Admirals on this voyage – I am merely the captain of this vessel (I’m having the time of my life!). Breakfast and lunch on the run – no problem!
We set sail after leaving the Anegada break waters and noticed our #5 main sail batten was working its way out of the sail. With 22 knots on starboard I decided to tuck a reef in the main and try to salvage the batten. I did save the 10’ batten and tie it off on the deck, reefed in the jib and we had another great sail day. Knot meter reading top speed 8.5 knots – although I never saw it on the meter – maybe coming off a wave.
We arrived at Marina Cay at around 5:00pm – no moorings available. We moved over to Trellis Bay and after making some “resident locals” (boaters tied to moorings) a little nervous (we have a big boat). I was able to maneuver the Lagoon 380 with amazing agility throughout the mooring field – this boat handles amazingly well. I love this boat! We tied up to the last mooring available in the harbor and had an excellent evening eating grilled Steak and left over Lobster from last night. YUM!
Another note – The crew on Cerianne III are not only a wealth of information of the BVI but also in boat handling skills – sailing, docking, mooring, dingy handling, anchoring, cooking, drinking, winching, singing, etc. (Bonnie and I are very lucky to have such excellent envoys for the BVI).
Captains Log
Date: Thurs. 1/17/08
Boat Name – Cerianne III
Length & type – 38’ Lagoon Catamaran
Air Temperature – 80’s
Water Temperature - 79
Captain - Dan Cowett
Conditions – Windy, Clear
Crew – Dan Cowett, Bonnie Cowett, Lisa Miller, Betsy Graham
Wind speed and direction – 12 to 22 knots, N - NE
Location – From Trellis Bay to Monkey Point to Great Harbor – Peter Isl. BVI
Global Position – SW of – 18.22.00 N, 64.34.6 W Great Harbor Peter Isl.
Comments:
We woke early and after breakfast we took the dingy ashore for ice, water and other essentials – Trellis is an interesting place – I can imagine coming here for one of there full moon parties. We got directions to our next destination (some questionable due to the airport on Beef Isl.) from the locals. Monkey point is where we were headed and a sailor needs to stay out of the marked area for plane landings and take offs or the local officials will seriously reprimand you and, or you may get hit by a plane. Out of the harbor we headed E, NE through the channel then E to Monkey Point off Guana Isl. We tied off to a day mooring and snorkeled in one of the most incredibly beautiful areas I have ever seen. The rock formations were awesome, the coral and fish were delightful. We encountered schools of Tarpon – perhaps 50 or more at a time that were up to 3’ in length. We finished up our morning (what a morning!), readied the boat, fixed a “lunch on the run” (we don’t waste any time) and headed W back through the channel past Trellis, Marina Cay and out into the Francis Drake Channel due SW to Great Harbor Peter Isl. We had another great sail day with the wind mostly aft and the crew mostly forward on the trampoline. With wind to stern it can be hard tell how much wind you’re getting without the healing factor and breeze, but we made good time and it was fantastic!
We tied off to a mooring in Great Harbor Peter Isl. at around 3:00 pm.
It was cocktail hour and as always drinks was on the house! Yummy beverages were served by the crew; the captain had a strong mixture of Rum and….something.
Betsy and Lisa noticed a familiar boat – Moonshine - that they had chartered on last year and hailed the owners, Lynn and John. They soon came over drinks and excellent conversation about boating in the Caribbean and their experiences as charter boat captains. John and Lynn have a 42’ Lagoon that they sailed here from France and were a wealth of information for us.
FUNN!
For dinner we ate as many leftovers as we could - as we would be leaving the boat tomorrow. Dinner was delicious – we all took hot water inside showers, used water like there was no tomorrow, and had another great evening in paradise.
Captains Log
Date: Thurs. 1/17/08
Boat Name – Cerianne III
Length & type – 38’ Lagoon Catamaran
Air Temperature – 80’s
Water Temperature - 79
Captain - Dan Cowett
Conditions – Windy, Clear, intermittent rain. Choppy waters, small craft advisory.
Crew – Dan Cowett, Bonnie Cowett, Lisa Miller, Betsy Graham
Wind speed and direction – 12 to 22 knots, N - NE
Location – From Great Harbor – Peter Isl. BVI to Sun Sail Marina in Road Town, Tortola BVI.
Global Position – 18.24.8N, 64.36.2W
Comments:
We gathered our things the best we could, had breakfast of delicious leftovers, readied the boat and headed N, NW for Road Town, (our final destination before our next leg of our adventure). Due to the rough conditions – seas 3’ to 6’ on the beam and 22 knot winds with heavy gusts – we decided to motor across the channel and tack against the wind and surf the waves as necessary. We had a bumpy but fun ride back.
When we got to the harbor entrance things got a little tricky as the harbor master would not respond to my (or anyone else’s) hail on the radio unless he would see you bearing down on the marina. It was a very busy marina getting boats in and out with a lot of what appeared to be unorganized supervision. The situation was a little unnerving – however – it all ended fine. We docked Cerianne III and had an uneventful check out with the charter company.
Lisa and I unloaded all of our baggage and other misc. food stuff, packed it onto two carts and headed down the dock – we were quite a sight – with the luggage and leftovers of 4 people. While the onlookers made comments and tried to relieve us of our provisions - all I could say was – “we always pack too much”. We hastily filled out the check out form for Sun Sail, met up with Bonnie and Betsy who had just got back from a provisioning mission (lots more stuff), got a taxi, made to the ferry (within minutes) and headed off to Jost Van Dyke for the next 5 days. WOW. What a day!
What an excellent sailing adventure!
When we got to Jost Van Dyke we were met by our host from White Bay Villas who helped us get our rental car, and got us settled in at our next accommodation. We spent our next days hanging out at the Soggy Dollar, Ivan’s (dodging storms), Foxy’s, Taboo, Bubbly Pool. Sandy Spit, Sandy Key – Via Capt. Hue from Jost Van Dyke SCUBA (another rough ride altogether – they say it will be your “best day in the BVI” – very questionable), Laying on the beach on White Bay, SCUBA diving, snorkeling and just having one hell of a great time. We can’t wait to go back!
OK so you want to here something negative. Well I don't have much. The water was too wet, the sun was too sunny, and the wind was very breezy (lovely!). Other than that I would be ware of "Renport" and their claims of total internet access. There equipment did not work on our computer w/ MS Vista (they forgot to tell us that when we rented the modem - however they did give us a laptop instead that only worked intermittently.
Jost Van Dyke SCUBA has an excellent staff and facility and Captain Colin is a highly regarded dive master - however - when promised "The best day you will ever have in the BVI" on one there trips - please be cautious. Members of our crew sustained injuries on their boat that could have been avoided had the guide been more prepared.
Anyway - We had an awesome Time! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Groovin.gif" alt="" />
