I can't remember where we were the last blog, think it was only our first night on the hook, but we are currently in Gorda Sound, BVI.
Ill recap the past few days and nights:
Great Harbour- we moved anchorages for our second night. There were plenty more yachts around, one mega yacht had their own slide from the top- looked like fun but also flaunted their prosperity a little! I managed to snorkel that afternoon, spotting some Magnificent Feather Dusters - I'd never seen these in Cayman ( only the more common spilt fan type). Was inspired to race back and get the camera but then life got in the way of getting back in to get some shots- next time.
The Baths- We left early the next morning to run errands in Road Town, Tortola. Well, I was running the errands; Joel stayed on the boat with the girls. So there I was in the dinghy motoring in to a place I'd never been before. I then had the task of finding the supermarket, chandlery, and a shop that sold everything else I wanted. Thank goodness I had the handheld radio: 'Little Sailors, this is Mother Hen; what is it exactly that you need?'
So after much walking and a taxi ride, I returned with most items purchased. Phew. Off to The Baths, Virgin Gorda.
This was our chance to get the main sail up again. Joel was in his element, setting the sails just so and lining up our course so we did only two tacks ( I think). It seems you can't take the racer out of the man as we were constantly looking at our position compared to others and gleefully smiling when we passed them or caught them.
The Baths- Joel and I went here in 2008 and wanted to take the girls to show them the big boulders and supposed pirates' treasure. Unfortunately it wasn't meant to be. After sailing for 2 hours we piled into the dinghy only to see that we couldn't land the dinghy ashore and offload passengers etc. There is now a large swimmers area netted off. Even with life jackets and a noodle to stabilise them, the 100ft + swim in was not an option for our girls given the time of day and dumpers on the beach. We were disappointed to say the least. Time had slipped away and now finding an anchorage for the night took precedence.
Virgin Gorda Yacht Club- determined not to go back to a marina for a while we anchored outside the channel for the night. There was quite a bit of ferry traffic to watch as the sun set, as well as other yachts coming and going. Nothing too memorable here.
Anegada - Our first long passage; 15 miles. We enjoyed a lovely morning sailing this passage and did it in great time as the boat is performing very well. Joel was cheering when we hit 9 knots at one point and Gracie asked ' Why did Daddy say, "Woohoo"?'
We pulled into the anchorage with about 6 other yachts at the same time, to join around 60 more already there. It was crowded. We soon left to find a quieter place for the afternoon. Down a few miles there was a lovely long stretch of beach and only a handful of yachts, perfect. We spent a fantastic afternoon on the beach with the girls getting sand everywhere, collecting shells and chasing Daddy.
The anchorage it seemed was good for the day outing, but by nightfall I sent Joel down to finish dinner ( a very basic tuna pasta) and we both spent the night tossing and turning as the wind and swell was constantly jerking the boat around.
We had planned to spend another night in Anegada however we didn't need another night of no sleep, so after an hour or so of sandcastle building on the beach and Gracie wanting to swim unaided. (don't know where her confidence has come from) we pulled the pick and headed back to Virgin Gorda for the night.
Another fantastic sail - 11 miles to north sound. 15 to 20 knots just forward of the beam gave a quick ride back to a Chanel and reef riddled with warnings on the chart including a caution not to sail (but to motor) through unless unless unless. So as you can imagine we sailed through!
I am now sitting with 3G Internet access in a much quieter sound, protected by a reef and islands. Dinner improved immensely tonight as I was able to chop veggies and prepare chicken. I know I will need to do these things under sail at some point but we all need to take small steps! Awhhh, sleep will be easier tonight.
A quick note to family - Joel has now finished the install of the satellite phone antenna and gps tracker and both systems are up and running.
As always thanks for the blog comments and emails - much appreciated!