Fleet II - Caribbean then Atlantic Crossing 2017

Blog for crossing of the Atlantic BVI - Azores - UK (Plymouth) on s/v Fleet II. Skipper = Peter. Other Crew: Keith, Stephen, John, Ross, KC. (Stephen BVI - Azores, KC Azores to UK).

Vessel Name: Fleet II
Vessel Make/Model: Dufour Grand Large. 13.7m/45ft.
Hailing Port: Fleet Cruising Club, Plymouth, UK.
Crew: Peter, Margaret, Lyn, Stephen, Tim, Jay. Then Peter, Keith, Stephen, John, Ross, KC and Kevin.
About: Members and guests of the Fleet Cruising Club do their first Atlantic crossing, W to E. Stephen departs Fleet II in the Azores. KC and Kevin join in the Azores.
Home Page: http://www.fleetcruisingclub.co.uk
30 March 2017
27 March 2017
27 March 2017
21 March 2017
21 March 2017 | Nanny Cay, Tortola, BVI
19 March 2017 | St. Kitts to Virgin Gorda
09 March 2017
08 March 2017
16 February 2017 | Greenwich, London.
Recent Blog Posts
30 March 2017

Sail Away Day

Having enjoyed our last swim/snorkel session on Norman Island where we were treated to a swim with Ninja Turtle and Barry our friendly barracuda lurking in the depths. Ninja was happy for close encountered swimming as he nibbled away on the coral. Saying goodbye to our favourite bay having circumnavigated the island previously, we sailed across to Road Town, Tortola, specifically Village Cay Marina where we refuelled and took up our mooring where Fleet 11 would remain for two/three nights being prepared for her journey home across the Atlantic. We met Ross and his partner Karen, Ross had already begun provisioning for the trip and we all had a special meal to end our trip and to celebrate Tim's Birthday. So Margaret, Tim, Jay and myself are now awaiting a Liat flight to island hop back to Antigua to connect with our BA flight home. Thank you Skipper Peter and Stephen remaining for their return voyage, we have loved crewing with you and look forward to the next opportunity to do so again, Lyn & Tim

27 March 2017

Treasure Island

Benares Bay on Norman Island (Treasure Island was based on Norman Island) - our favourite Bay of the holiday - amazing tropical fish of numerous species, colours in abundance.

27 March 2017

Scramble Scramble!

Thursday 23rd

22 March 2017

A day in the life of Fleet 11

Today we prepared the boat to be hoisted out of the water for necessary repairs and cleaning the hull of barnacles which was quite a colony once on show!!! So essential crew remained with the boat and the remainder of us went into Road Town to buy provisions. Not knowing quite when we will be ready to sail away I will end my blog here today with another update later, Lyn

21 March 2017

Lyn's first blog

So while Peter and Stephen were busy dealing with maintenance issues Caribbean style, i.e. variable timing for professionals attending, Tim and Jay decided on an island tour of discovery whilst Margaret and I opted for a leisurely day by the pool enjoying this beautiful weather and marina hospitality. Just heard from Peter that boom is good to go for the Atlantic so preparing for another day in the beautiful BVI. Lyn

21 March 2017 | Nanny Cay, Tortola, BVI

Waiting for Lift Out and Rigger, Nanny Cay, BVI.

We arrived in a hot and very 'American' marina yesterday pm after a couple of days in the beautiful bays. Even the showers are air conditioned!

Sail Away Day

30 March 2017
Lyn
Having enjoyed our last swim/snorkel session on Norman Island where we were treated to a swim with Ninja Turtle and Barry our friendly barracuda lurking in the depths. Ninja was happy for close encountered swimming as he nibbled away on the coral. Saying goodbye to our favourite bay having circumnavigated the island previously, we sailed across to Road Town, Tortola, specifically Village Cay Marina where we refuelled and took up our mooring where Fleet 11 would remain for two/three nights being prepared for her journey home across the Atlantic. We met Ross and his partner Karen, Ross had already begun provisioning for the trip and we all had a special meal to end our trip and to celebrate Tim's Birthday. So Margaret, Tim, Jay and myself are now awaiting a Liat flight to island hop back to Antigua to connect with our BA flight home. Thank you Skipper Peter and Stephen remaining for their return voyage, we have loved crewing with you and look forward to the next opportunity to do so again, Lyn & Tim

Treasure Island

27 March 2017
Tim and Lyn
Benares Bay on Norman Island (Treasure Island was based on Norman Island) - our favourite Bay of the holiday - amazing tropical fish of numerous species, colours in abundance.

Scramble Scramble!

27 March 2017
Tim and Lyn
Thursday 23rd
Scramble Scramble!

At 15:10 Peter called up the sun worshippers on the handheld VHF with the news that Fleet ll was being lifted back into the water. Hurray!! We were determined to leave Nanny Cay and with the boatyard closing at 16:00 we quickly and efficiently prepared for a scramble departure and were out of the marina in less than half an hour! Good teamwork!

With 2.5 hours before dark we decided to make for Jost van Dyke, taking a look at Great Harbour (busy) White Harbour and Little Harbour but preferring the quiet and beauty of East End Bay where we anchored in 6 metres.

Friday 24th
Chill Day!
Snorkelling reveals many species of smaller fish of different colours feeding near the rocks close to the shore and mangroves. Tender parties have a play surveying the shore based facilities, Taboo Beach Bar and B line (with very welcome wifi!).

Saturday 25th
Lovely lively sail beating up to Iguana Island in consistent F5 southerly for a lunch stop anchored in Sandy Bay. Where's the sun? Enroute to Marina Cay Overnight.

Sunday 26th
Left Marina Cay with improving weather, heading for Virgin Gorda but changed our mind and set sail for Norman Island but rather liked the bay at Buttonwood Bay, Grand Harbour, Peter Island where we barbecued in the back of the boat curtesy of our skipper and wife.

Monday 27th

Left Buttonwood Bay to Norman Island using the blade jib for the Atlantic practice, the maximum wind gusts was 12 knots. We then spotted Treasure Island (Norman Island, the best mooring of the holiday) where we off loaded a crew member with a line a shore to secure round a tree. The snorkelling was awesome, huge range of tropical fish, and a star struck night sky. Lyn

A day in the life of Fleet 11

22 March 2017
Today we prepared the boat to be hoisted out of the water for necessary repairs and cleaning the hull of barnacles which was quite a colony once on show!!! So essential crew remained with the boat and the remainder of us went into Road Town to buy provisions. Not knowing quite when we will be ready to sail away I will end my blog here today with another update later, Lyn

Lyn's first blog

21 March 2017
So while Peter and Stephen were busy dealing with maintenance issues Caribbean style, i.e. variable timing for professionals attending, Tim and Jay decided on an island tour of discovery whilst Margaret and I opted for a leisurely day by the pool enjoying this beautiful weather and marina hospitality. Just heard from Peter that boom is good to go for the Atlantic so preparing for another day in the beautiful BVI. Lyn

Waiting for Lift Out and Rigger, Nanny Cay, BVI.

21 March 2017 | Nanny Cay, Tortola, BVI
Peter
We arrived in a hot and very 'American' marina yesterday pm after a couple of days in the beautiful bays. Even the showers are air conditioned!
The wind has gone - my daughter suggests that Margaret has stolen it but a good search of her space in our cabin revealed nothing.
Anyway, a good opportunity to get a lift out for sail-drive gear box oil change (water found in the oil) and a bottom clean plus attend to a few other mechanical issues, like the small crack in the boom.
Re the bottom cleaning (pressure washing) we have coral polyps on the hull - wave your hand past under the water by the hull and they withdraw into their very sharp ringed homes.
They are due for a nasty shock tomorrow!
Peter
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