My Cay was sailing along close hauled in a stiff trade breeze, but she was performing just as beautifully as she does when going upwind in 18 knots of breeze. Full jib, one reef in the main and 7.5 knots registering on the speedo. Down below all I heard was the familiar twang a boat makes when something in the rig gives way....my worst fear was that a one of the stays holding our mast up in the air had just shredded.

Bounding up on deck and popping my head up through the companionway, Bonnie let me know the jib was falling to the deck. As my head spun around 180 degrees, I could see the jib slowly flopping to the foredeck like an accordion, which quickly became the signal that we would be taking the jib down. As soon as I had it fully lowered to the foredeck, I could see that the webbing on the head of the jib had failed and we would be need a sailmaker to work their magic to repair our wounded wing.

After almost 30 days in the BVI's, a wounded wing was sending us back to St. Thomas to make repairs and make My Cay healthy again.

Our time in the BVI's has been truly amazing. We visited anchorages we love, we visited anchorages we have never visited and we went back to anchorages we stopped in many years ago. Throughout the 30 days, we learned to slow down and take our time at each anchorage. Being able to spend more than 24 hours in one place allows you to meet transient sailors, as well as the community that lives in the BVI's.

Our highlights included the 3 days we spent on Anegada, roaming the island by motor scooter and soaking up the simplicity of the small island settlement. Seeing Peter Island after passing it by for the last 10 years, my how the anchorage has grown...but, yet it is still remote and secluded. Finding the Sunset Loop on Peter Island was a bonus too. Visiting Jost Van Dyke and Cane Garden, to see just a small amount of development, but yet meeting the most genuine local people who call Tortola home and welcome you in as if you were family. Anchoring in Savannah Bay inside of the reef, surrounded by just 3 other boats and being able to stargaze with the absence of ambient light. We can't forget North Sound either. Usually you are in a rush to get in and out of North Sound in 1 night, but when you have time, it really becomes a separate cruising ground. Bitter End Yacht Club, Leverick Bay, Saba Rock, Briars Creek and the list goes on...it's a place that can capture you allow you to escape from the Drake Passage Highway and crowded anchorages...must be why Bronson likes it there!

We will return to the BVI's in April, but next we will dive deeper into the USVI's. Our goal is to spend time on St. Thomas and take care of a few life things that need attention, stock up and head back out.

St. John and the natural beauty of the National Park is on our list of places to explore. After St. John, we are hoping to sail south to St.Croix and see an island we have never been to.

The adventure rolls on.......