Really? A whole week with no rain? Yea, sounds like a complaint as we sit in the Caribbean for the winter and definitely something we sailors hate on a nightly basis as we are up and down closing hatches then opening as it gets to hot only to put it back down with another shower. Although there are many cruisers hanging out in St Barths after the crossing from the BVIs earlier in the week – the upwind sail with 4-6ft seas from St Maarten to St Barths brought some water onto the deck and the salt crystals remain. We are not like the surrounding yacht with “endless” amounts of water and a crew to wash down the deck. None the less, salt or no salt it has been a grand week in St Barths for the Bucket Race.
Let me back up a bit to before our crossing – Early March we had back to back guests which was an honor as both were spending their college spring breaks with us. Could have gone anywhere w/groups of theor peers but opted for family time. Week one was the return of Stephen to MyDeere – our youngest who spent a semester aboard in 2012. Unfortunately for him none of his friends could join him but it was a pleasure to have him to ourselves. A week of snorkeling, a dive or two and plenty of R&R. May he finish his semester strong! We pulled into Crown Bay Marina in St Thomas as there was a slight overlap of Stephen and the Pattersons which allowed for a quick cleaning, laundry, provisioning and a dry ride to the airport.
Transfer complete (miss him already) and luggage of group 2 miraculously stored. You may notice there are not many photos in this gallery for a couple of reasons. 1. Stephen does not like to have pics taken 2. Rob is a “professional” type photographer along with Charlotte and her ever active GoPro. That
GoPro had a few hilarious videos – the lobster squeal and then the STILL FUNNY barracuda attack.
Another week of great sailing, snorkeling and laughs in and around the BVIs & USVIs. As the week went on we began playing poker. A crash course of Texas Hold’em and the betting began. The closer it got to Cruisers Midnight (9pm) the more aggressive the betting. Both nights it ended up between Rob and Jim. Each winning one night they never wanted to play again afraid one of us might win I think.
Off to St Barts to watch the Bucket Race. WAIT – an invite to ride along on one of the big boys? Sweet, this passage might not be so bad.
Indeed it was not. Jim set the sails and all I had to do was take turns watching for traffic. Yes, a bit nervous with all the canvas out at 3am & I do NOT know how to trim sails well. What if a storm or just rains happens?..........The deal was he sleep in the cockpit but knowing the starboard bench in the salon is much more comfortable I told him to go below and I would YELL if needed. Called him up once within 30minutes and then he was able to get about 3hrs of decent sleep as the sky stayed clear, winds did not change and speed stayed at least 5knots. As smooth as it went it is still my least favorite thing to do.
As we were crossing St Maarten and had to had into the wind to get to St Barts we furled in the sails and engaged the iron genny (motor) for the last 15miles. Dropped the anchor and prayed for 15minutes of rain to wash the deck. 5 days later and still no rain.
Jim goes into town to check us in and right there at the dock is Dick Jackney – owner of Hylas from whom we bought MyDeere. We received an invite to go to their house @ the top of the hill and watch the race start on Friday. An amazing view! Of course we did not go ashore until we made an important phone call back to the states, Kill Devil Hills, NC to be exact, to wish Janet a Happy Birthday. 23yrs old – WOW! She can’t be that old.
Saturday was like Christmas for Jim. Actually, he was even more excited than that. We received and accepted and invite to be aboard Wavelength for the race. Not as crew but spectators (for which I am thankful). I can not explain the sounds nor the size of the sails as the boat overtook another, and vice versa, nor will the pictures be able to convey. Wavelength is more than 2x our size and it was one of the smaller boats in the race. The owners, whom Jim met on a dock in St Maarten 4 yrs ago, were so generous to share this with us and YES! Jim shivered a few times even after we returned to our boat. Kudos to Wavelength owners , crew and racing staff for a grand day. May our paths continue to cross.
Next on the agenda – a weather window to Antigua. Yup, another overnight. Ugh Once there we will enjoy the company of the McCarthys, the Frazees and the Antigua Classic. Ahh, Jim has returned from shore w/croissants. I could live here.
Before I sign off – I know people say we all dream but I never remember mine. Last night I did as it woke me with pain. For some reason I was in a truck riding around with Will, Janet and Rachael. We had to turn around on a washed over dirt round that had alligator looking at us………..end of dream is me fiercely kicking the creature off of one of the girls and pain. I actually kicked the wall so hard Jim woke up and my foot is swollen.!? Nothing compared to my saving the rug in St Thomas. You will have to hear that one when I return. hahaha