Time Flies –
2 weeks ago we pulled up between a mega yacht and a mega catamaran (15ft+ clearance between the 2 pontoons!!) to get some water, dinghy gas and rinse Charlotte Amalie off the deck. Onward to Hansen Bay, East End St John to hang out with 2 of Jim’s brothers and the wonderful Neebes.
Amazing snorkels @ Haulover and in Hansen Bay and finishing the day with fantastic meals prepared by Chef Alan under the direction of Weejy and sous chef Margaret.
On a calm seas, no wind day MyDeere motored them over to Booby Rock – a dive site buta grand snorkel on a calm day. After some lunch we headed back. While enroute we encountered a WHALE. Yup, he/she was probably about 75ft off our port. AMAZING!! The following day we did an around the island sail with a snorkel and lunch @ Christmas Cove. Jim, Bill & Lynn got to see an octopus in action. Did I mention the winds were in the 20s and seas 3-5ft. Not bad on the way down the island but proved to be rather wet on the way back – Ugh. Everyone held on through the tumultuous cut just off St James as well as around Caneel Bay. Once past Thatch things settled down and sailed on back to the Hideaway. Sorry for the disturbed nap Earl and thanks for drying up the floor.
We left the crowd and went back to the BVIs for the Dark and Stormy Regatta. We decided to pull into our slip at Penns & just motor over to the start line the morning of the race. It was a much needed stop. We washed the deck and thoroughly cleaned below as we took on so much sea water on our around the island sail. I think I fixed that problem as I removed all hatch covers and tightened the handles in hopes high seas stay only on deck.
My efforts paid off as the Saturday race to Anegada was a close reach with 25knot winds, 4-6ft seas and upon arrival we were DRY below!!! Even better than that, MyDeere took 3rd place. Way to go Capt Jim! Sunday we took part in the sand castle competition, kite flying, horseshoes and cornhole as well as get to know some great folks. Monday was a ppursuit race back to Tortolla – Nanny Cay was the finish line. We had a great start, I was at the helm for the 1st hour while Jim focused on sail trimming. We passed boats and gained on our nemesis to the point it made him a bit concerned. Not to worried as once we passed Scrub Island it was straight downwind and MyDeere does not perform well downwind. No whisker pole or spinnaker we chose to wing it. Definitely fell behind but finished a solid 8th our of 31. Already thinking strategy for next year – take speed over direct /shorter distance in hopes you go fast enough to minimize the distance at the end? Fly only the jib? Get a pole? Tips are welcome
Back to St John as Earl and Margaret & the Neebes were still there and Pat Geiger joined them on their second week. More snorkeling, fine food, great conversation and smooth sailing with Pat at the helm.
Over the 2 weeks Alan and Earl picked up on Jim’s interest in finding treasures either along the shore or on the bottom of the sea. Heck, on top of the sea as well. Twice I had to get in the dinghy to pick up stuff as he sailed by it - a seat cushion from a charter boat and a fender. At least it is stuff we can use. After our last meal we were gifted with a treasure they found with Jim in mind (attached photo). I love it. Now to try and find a place to keep it.
We have a few days alone and then pick up friends in St Thomas. Like they say on the Price is Right – Bailey, come on down!
Side note: got Jim started doing Sudoku for brain health. First few puzzles there was much cussing which I have not heard the last week or so. This morning an expletive came out. Guess he is onto the medium level. hahaha