Barracuda meets a Barracuda
22 February 2018 | Nelson's Dock Yard, English Harbour, Antigua
Another day gently passes in the Caribbean. We are still in Nelson's Dockyard - it is just too comfortable here, but eventually we will need to strike out. We think the currently strong wind is due to drop soon to normal levels for these parts; then it is just a question of when (whether?) we get our outboard parts. After that, back to Jolly Harbour to provision before jumping off to Nevis and St. Kitts. We're quite keen to have the water-maker and outboard fixed before heading to St Martin/Maarten, as we will almost certainly be anchored off, with no re-watering facilities.
Yesterday we took the water taxi over to the beach on the far side of Freeman's Bay, just inside the harbour, and snorkelled on the reef. Whilst the visibility was not brilliant, there was loads to see. Three barracuda sightings, one massive ray (sting ray or eagle ray?), two wrecks, loads of parrot fish and others. And as we emerged from the snorkelling there was a beach bar called The Cheeky Marlin selling cold beer, so what were we to do?
The Caribbean 600 boats are starting to come back across the finish line, or are limping home, depending on their condition. At the last count, 30 retired out of a fleet of 74, so there's lots of work for the sail makers.
The late afternoon and evening turned sociable again with pontoon sun-downers with our neighbouring boats and then an impromptu dinner on-board with the Margriet and Gerard from Dutch S/Y Jacky X. They are travelling a similar route to ours for the next couple of months.
Today's photo - Kate snorkelling out near the reef.