Brad and Tracy arrived at St Marten, fully loaded with goodies for the boat - the "stash" got a boost. We hung around for a few days as the wind was a bit blustery. That night we went out for dinner and I cautioned them both *NOT* to order a double... We had some pork ribs for dinner. On Monday we had cocktails on the boat and were joined by Andrew, who kindly brought along some champagne. We then went out for dinner, pizza at an Italian restaurant- and it was as good as the ones from the motherland... We left Simpson Bay Marina on Tuesday and anchored, ready for an early and long day...
Some private planes
We set off at 0300, it took us 1/2 an hour to weight anchor (I kept letting out chain(instead of bringing it in) then had to bring it all in).. The winds in the harbour were blowing up to 28, the forecast called for 15-20 from the East. As we got further from the anchorage, the wind came down and pretty much staid between the forecast values.. It was however, directly behind us, for the greater part of the trip. We arrived at BVI as the sun was setting, and the initial plan was to anchor at Spanish town, but given we had a really long day, I decided to head straight to Tortola. We finally were at anchor at 2000 and afer 96NM.. The next day we went ashore to clear customs and drop Tracy off, while Brad and I would continue on to Puerto Rico. Customs and Immigration, weren't overly keen to clear us out until they had spoken to Brad and Tracy.. The did eventually clear us out and so we went back to the boat..
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| 96NM and 18.5hrs.. |
At anchorage in Tortola
1 April, Tortola -> Puerto Del Rey
We set off at 0500 and weighing anchor took place without a snag.. We were heading East with the wind directly behind us - so I poled out the genoa with the boom. We were making good way.. As we Passed St Thomas, I looked back and saw some dark clouds, so centred boom, reefed in the Genoa and waited.. The rain came down in buckets, fortunately we were on the boat, the animals would have to make their way to us.. The wind briefly git 37, but is was mostly 8-20. Some poor boat "String Music" was on an anchor ball, when the shower hit them, unfortunately it broke loose and they ended up on a reef and were on he radio with the coast guard. Another boat was on the radio with the coast guard asking for safe harbour to get out of the storm. The wind had died down, so we motored the last 4 hours.. We arrived at Puerto Del Rey and noified customs and Immigration. Two officers came to the boat and by 1900, we were allowed ashore for a shower and some grub...
65NM
Akshun shot in the thunder shower
Land Hoy...
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| Sunrise at Puerto Del Rey |
2 April
I went to the marina offices in the morning to present the boat documents. The lady pointed out that my passport would expire in just under 3 weeks. Needless to say, I was a bit surprised about this... So I quickly phoned the Canadian Embassy in Puerto Rico. The best Option was to fly back to Toronto and get a new passport... So I booked a flight for Sunday, returning on Wed... That night we ate at the bar.. Next Morning, Brad and I headed off to the Airport, I would arrive on to a snowy, Toronto at 0300 on Monday..
A big thanks to Brad and Tracy for the visit and their company and goodies they brought.
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