After breakfast, we had Phyllis drive us to Barefoot Charters. We met with Frank Dregallo, who was finishing grading exams from his previous group and enjoying breakfast. What Sheryl and I thought to be the sounds of young children turned out to be two birds, who serenaded us with repeated verses of "Happy Birthday to You." Steve and Angelina arrived and we all sat down to introduce ourselves and begin the general briefing.

Due to faulty roller furling, we had to switch to a different boat than was originally planned. However, On Holiday Again seemed an appropriate boat moniker for Sheryl and me. The layout of the 45.9-foot Beneteau seemed good for our party as well. The two couples took the aft cabins and Skipper Frank took the v-berth, each with its own head.

After a brief tour of the boat (PFD's, lines, general operations, salon, galley, aft cabins, and head), we sailed off at about 11:30. The channel between St. Vincent and Bequia had nice 5 foot rolling waves. We tacked twice and jibed once in order to avoid oncoming squalls. With that successful maneuvering, we stayed dry throughout the trip. Sheryl was at the helm as we passed between Bequia and the two smaller islands of Battowia and Baliceaux.

We arrived at Britannia Bay (16:00) where Sheryl and I learned how to pick up a mooring ball. We enjoyed sundowners at Basil's (a Highball for me and Sex on the Beach for Sheryl) and returned to the boat for dinner. I made black beans and rice with salad and bread.

It was a hot night and our mooring ball was close to shore. This combination made for a poor night's sleep, considering the limited wind through the hatches and the rebound of waves from the shoreline.