January 24, 2015
We left Ocean World, DR at 0745 after clearing out. The swells were quite large at first, rocking us from toerail to toerail! Well, okay so I am exaggerating a bit but they sure seemed that big! By 1130, the swells had settled and the wind was of sufficient strength and direction that we were able to put up full sails and shut the engine off. We had an awesome sail until 1830 when the winds died and we had to motor the rest of the way the TCI. The seas were calm and wind almost nothing.
January 25, 2015
Jorge decided to enter the Caicos Bank via the shipping channel at Southwest Pt. as it was less shallow than the route we took when heading south. The sea was almost like glass and the winds less than 3 kts, perfect for crossing the shallow banks!
We arrived at South Side Marina at 1300, (now 1200 North American time). We were welcomed by Bob (the owner) and his long time friend, Cam.
January 26, 2015
An uneventful day.
January 27, 2015
We are heading out today, staging at the mouth of the banks, at Sandbore Channel, to start making our way to the Bahamas.
Damn!!! I am still having grief downloading pictures.
Tuesday, January 27, 2015
Friday, January 23, 2015
Rett and Bob dropped us off at Ocean World around 1230 today. We had a very enjoyable few days visiting with them. It was great to get a little "land time" in the DR.
The plan is to leave the DR tomorrow and make our way to Sapadillo Bay, TCI. We are hoping to arrive there midday on Sunday. Later in the week the winds are suppose to increase to 25 to 30 kts so we will want to be someplace secure for that blow!
It is hard to believe, we have put away the Caribbean charts and are now working with the Bahama charts.
Ho hum, I still couldn't get the pictures to download on my last post, too bad because some of them were really good.
The plan is to leave the DR tomorrow and make our way to Sapadillo Bay, TCI. We are hoping to arrive there midday on Sunday. Later in the week the winds are suppose to increase to 25 to 30 kts so we will want to be someplace secure for that blow!
It is hard to believe, we have put away the Caribbean charts and are now working with the Bahama charts.
Ho hum, I still couldn't get the pictures to download on my last post, too bad because some of them were really good.
Thursday, January 22, 2015
January 15, 2015
We were up at 0600 with the alarm aiming to travel to the west side of Puerto Rico, the marina at Puerto Real. When Jorge started the engine, it did start but then quit. When trying to start it again, it was a no go. Oh, oh! After 4 hours and tearing the boat apart to get to the engine, Jorge realized that he put the gasket on the fuel filter in the wrong spot, starving the engine of diesel. Okay, so we were onto Plan B, which was changed to Plan C. At 1600 we decided to leave Salinas and sail to Isla Caja de Muertos (Coffin Island). We had a wonderful sail and arrived at 1900, setting anchor just before total darkness.
January 16, 2015
We were up at 0600, (the engine started and purred like a kitten) weighed anchor and were underway shortly before 0700 heading to Ponce. We arrived there at 0830 after a wonderful sail again, tying up at the yacht club so Jorge could go ashore and clear us out at customs. We topped up with diesel and water and were underway by 1300. By this time, the wind had died and it was a motorsail to Gilligan's Island. We had set anchor by 1630 and Clay, an American solo sailor, who was anchored next to us, joined us for happy hour. He had been sailing since he was about 6 (now in his early 60s) so he had some awesome stories which he shared.
January 17, 2015
The alarm went off again at 0600 and we left Gilligan's Island by 0700. Absolutely no wind so it was a total motor trip to Puerto Real. We arrived there at 1130, topped up with diesel and ordered two pizzas to go. My thinking was pizza is good hot or cold and not knowing exactly what the conditions were going to be for the next two days for cooking, I thought well at least there was pizza to eat, lol!Today was the day to start crossing "the Mona". We left the marina at Puerto Real at 1400 in a heavy rain storm. It continued to rain for a good hour before the storm turned one way and we headed the other way. Phew! At 1600 Jorge and I got really excited as the wind was picking up and we actually shut the engine off to sail. Unfortunately our excitement last only 15 minutes as the wind really died! We ended up motorsailing in 16 kts of wind, against a northerly swell and a 2+ kt current against us, making the going slow. However the wind was steady in direction all night. We had some good sized swells for a few hours but all in all the crossing was extremely good. She (the Mona) is behind us once again!
January 18, 2015
At 0800 we were on the DR side of the Mona. The winds were of a sufficient speed and angle that we were able to put up full sails and we sailed for 8 glorious hours! The conditions were perfect and we made excellent time, averaging 5 to 5.5 kt. We debated on whether to stop in Samana, DR or not but as the going was so good, we decided we could always catch up on our sleep so we continued to sail to Ocean World. By the time we got to the northeast side of the DR, at 1600, the wind was less than 8 kts so we only left the genoa out for the night. We were dead tired, not having slept well the night before and only catching a few hours of sleep during the day, so when our shift at the helm was over and we laid down, it was lights out within minutes. We had calm weather conditions so that really helped with the sleep. Jorge and I did 3 hour shifts and each of us got about 6 hours of sleep.
January 19, 2015
At 0200 we brought the genoa in as the wind was only 2 to 3 kts! And the swells were about 2'. We would have liked to have had some wind to sail but at least we weren't getting beat up by nasty conditions. We arrived at Ocean World at 1130, pleased with ourselves that we had completed a 46 hour trip from Puerto Real! We cleared customs and took a slip. Showers were the next order of the day as well as a short siesta. We emailed Rett and Bob to say we had arrived. They rented a car and were at the marina around 1830. We had happy hour onboard and then left to go out for dinner in Puerto Plata. The plan was to stay at their condo with them for a couple of days. We had a really late dinner and arrived at their condo and didn't get to bed until 0130. I can't believe Jorge and I stayed awake until that time!
January 20, 2015
I was surprised that we got up at 0900, I really thought we would sleep in until noon! We had brunch and a lazy morning visiting with Rett and Bob. We finally got our act together by 1230 and left the condo. We took a road trip to Luperon, stopping at Ocean World to check on CS'ta Time. Jorge was thinking of pulling the boat out of the water due to a constant slow leak around the rudder bolts that he replaced in St. Martin. We checked out the marina in Luperon and then looked for a restaurant for lunch, not realizing it was already suppertime - 1730! We had a drink and a small bite to eat at a restaurant and then headed back to Sosua/Cabarete (where Rett and Bob's condo was). I made a pasta dinner for the four of us and then we sat around chatting the night away, 0030 before we got to bed. So much for the boaters' midnight being at 2100.
January 21, 2015
We got up a bit earlier today, 0800, had breakfast and vegged out for most of the morning before heading off to Cabarete for the afternoon. Again it was 1230 before we got out of the condo. We had lunch at a restaurant before taking a walk along the beach. Afterwards we drove for an hour west of Cabarete through the countryside with some beautiful lush green fields on both sides of the road. Back to Cabarete where we did a bit of bar hopping, enjoying happy hour at one bar before heading off to another for dinner. Back to the condo by 2130.
Tomorrow we are going back to Ocean World to get ready for making the trip to the Turks and Caicos the following day as the weather forecast is looking promising. We are contemplating going right to South Side Marina, TCI, about a 30 hour trip.
UPDATE: The weather is looking better for making the crossing to the Turks and Caicos on Saturday, not Friday, so it looks like another day in the DR with Rett and Bob. Not too hard to take!
Pictures are not downloading ??? Will try to post them later.
We were up at 0600 with the alarm aiming to travel to the west side of Puerto Rico, the marina at Puerto Real. When Jorge started the engine, it did start but then quit. When trying to start it again, it was a no go. Oh, oh! After 4 hours and tearing the boat apart to get to the engine, Jorge realized that he put the gasket on the fuel filter in the wrong spot, starving the engine of diesel. Okay, so we were onto Plan B, which was changed to Plan C. At 1600 we decided to leave Salinas and sail to Isla Caja de Muertos (Coffin Island). We had a wonderful sail and arrived at 1900, setting anchor just before total darkness.
January 16, 2015
We were up at 0600, (the engine started and purred like a kitten) weighed anchor and were underway shortly before 0700 heading to Ponce. We arrived there at 0830 after a wonderful sail again, tying up at the yacht club so Jorge could go ashore and clear us out at customs. We topped up with diesel and water and were underway by 1300. By this time, the wind had died and it was a motorsail to Gilligan's Island. We had set anchor by 1630 and Clay, an American solo sailor, who was anchored next to us, joined us for happy hour. He had been sailing since he was about 6 (now in his early 60s) so he had some awesome stories which he shared.
January 17, 2015
The alarm went off again at 0600 and we left Gilligan's Island by 0700. Absolutely no wind so it was a total motor trip to Puerto Real. We arrived there at 1130, topped up with diesel and ordered two pizzas to go. My thinking was pizza is good hot or cold and not knowing exactly what the conditions were going to be for the next two days for cooking, I thought well at least there was pizza to eat, lol!Today was the day to start crossing "the Mona". We left the marina at Puerto Real at 1400 in a heavy rain storm. It continued to rain for a good hour before the storm turned one way and we headed the other way. Phew! At 1600 Jorge and I got really excited as the wind was picking up and we actually shut the engine off to sail. Unfortunately our excitement last only 15 minutes as the wind really died! We ended up motorsailing in 16 kts of wind, against a northerly swell and a 2+ kt current against us, making the going slow. However the wind was steady in direction all night. We had some good sized swells for a few hours but all in all the crossing was extremely good. She (the Mona) is behind us once again!
January 18, 2015
At 0800 we were on the DR side of the Mona. The winds were of a sufficient speed and angle that we were able to put up full sails and we sailed for 8 glorious hours! The conditions were perfect and we made excellent time, averaging 5 to 5.5 kt. We debated on whether to stop in Samana, DR or not but as the going was so good, we decided we could always catch up on our sleep so we continued to sail to Ocean World. By the time we got to the northeast side of the DR, at 1600, the wind was less than 8 kts so we only left the genoa out for the night. We were dead tired, not having slept well the night before and only catching a few hours of sleep during the day, so when our shift at the helm was over and we laid down, it was lights out within minutes. We had calm weather conditions so that really helped with the sleep. Jorge and I did 3 hour shifts and each of us got about 6 hours of sleep.
January 19, 2015
At 0200 we brought the genoa in as the wind was only 2 to 3 kts! And the swells were about 2'. We would have liked to have had some wind to sail but at least we weren't getting beat up by nasty conditions. We arrived at Ocean World at 1130, pleased with ourselves that we had completed a 46 hour trip from Puerto Real! We cleared customs and took a slip. Showers were the next order of the day as well as a short siesta. We emailed Rett and Bob to say we had arrived. They rented a car and were at the marina around 1830. We had happy hour onboard and then left to go out for dinner in Puerto Plata. The plan was to stay at their condo with them for a couple of days. We had a really late dinner and arrived at their condo and didn't get to bed until 0130. I can't believe Jorge and I stayed awake until that time!
January 20, 2015
I was surprised that we got up at 0900, I really thought we would sleep in until noon! We had brunch and a lazy morning visiting with Rett and Bob. We finally got our act together by 1230 and left the condo. We took a road trip to Luperon, stopping at Ocean World to check on CS'ta Time. Jorge was thinking of pulling the boat out of the water due to a constant slow leak around the rudder bolts that he replaced in St. Martin. We checked out the marina in Luperon and then looked for a restaurant for lunch, not realizing it was already suppertime - 1730! We had a drink and a small bite to eat at a restaurant and then headed back to Sosua/Cabarete (where Rett and Bob's condo was). I made a pasta dinner for the four of us and then we sat around chatting the night away, 0030 before we got to bed. So much for the boaters' midnight being at 2100.
January 21, 2015
We got up a bit earlier today, 0800, had breakfast and vegged out for most of the morning before heading off to Cabarete for the afternoon. Again it was 1230 before we got out of the condo. We had lunch at a restaurant before taking a walk along the beach. Afterwards we drove for an hour west of Cabarete through the countryside with some beautiful lush green fields on both sides of the road. Back to Cabarete where we did a bit of bar hopping, enjoying happy hour at one bar before heading off to another for dinner. Back to the condo by 2130.
Tomorrow we are going back to Ocean World to get ready for making the trip to the Turks and Caicos the following day as the weather forecast is looking promising. We are contemplating going right to South Side Marina, TCI, about a 30 hour trip.
UPDATE: The weather is looking better for making the crossing to the Turks and Caicos on Saturday, not Friday, so it looks like another day in the DR with Rett and Bob. Not too hard to take!
Pictures are not downloading ??? Will try to post them later.
Wednesday, January 14, 2015
January 8, 2015
We left Jost Van Dyke around 0700 and headed to Culebra. It was a beautiful morning with the exception that the winds were very light. We motor sailed to keep the boat speed at 5 kts. We travelled north of St. Thomas and only when we were about an hour from Culebra were we able to sail with no engine.
We arrived and anchored in Ensenada Honda early afternoon. After putting the dinghy down we headed into town to clear customs. While there, we met a couple from Toronto who leave their boat in the Virgin Islands during the summer and cruise during the winter. We later met them at a bar and over a few beers decided to walk to Flamingo Beach the next day.
January 9, 2015
We met with Ian and Lorilee at 1100 and walked 45 minutes to the beach, (some 4 km one way). We enjoyed the beach for a bit before heading to a restaurant for lunch. Afterwards, we went back to the beach for a few more hours before walking back to the dinghy dock. Over beers again, we made arrangements to meet at the dinghy dock the next morning at 0600 and take the ferry to Fajardo.
January 10, 2015
As planned, we met at the dinghy dock at 0600 and walked to the ferry terminal. We caught the "cargo" ferry (carrying vehicles) to Fajardo which took 1-1/2 hours. We then found a bakery and had breakfast before making our way, via a discount taxi, to West Marine, Wal-Mart and a grocery store. As we spent too much time shopping, we took a regular taxi back to the ferry terminal, stopping at the bakery again and picking up empanadas which we ate while waiting for the ferry. Once back on Culebra, Ian and Lorilee joined us for happy hour aboard CS'ta Time.
We weighed anchor and left Culebra at 0700. It was a motor sail until we got to the island of Viequez. When we rounded the island we were able to get a better direction on the wind and sail only to Puerto Patillas. We set anchor at 1600 hrs. We didn't go to shore, just anchored for the night as we were heading to Salinas the next morning.
January 12, 2015
Upon awakening at 0600, it was raining and windy. We decided to wait out the storm and sat tight until 0830. We weighed anchor and arrived in Salinas at 1230 after mostly motoring. The southern coast of Puerto Rico is just as I remembered it, big wind and big waves! At times the winds were gusting to 33 kts and coming directly from behind. On a number of occasions while surfing down a wave, CS'ta was gybing all by herself. We decided to bring the sails in and just motor until we got into Bahie Rincon when we were able to sail, about an hour to the anchorage. We put the dinghy down, went to the marina, had real showers, did laundry and arranged to rent a car for the next day.
January 13, 2015
We picked up the rental car at 1000. The first stop was to find propane as one tank we empty, Mission accomplished. We then took the highway into Ponce, once more visiting Wal-Mart (provisioning big time) and Home Depot. Just can't seem to stay away from the big box stores! After lunch and shopping, we took a secondary road, through rural Puerto Rico, back to Salinas. It was a busy day and an even busier night as we tried to stow away our purchases.
January 14, 2015
We had the car until noon so we did a bit more shopping before returning it. In the afternoon, Jorge changed the antifreeze in the engine (sounds strange doesn't it, in these latitudes!). It was an all afternoon job. We are now at a bar but getting ready to head back to the boat, put the dinghy up on the davits in preparation for moving tomorrow.
We left Jost Van Dyke around 0700 and headed to Culebra. It was a beautiful morning with the exception that the winds were very light. We motor sailed to keep the boat speed at 5 kts. We travelled north of St. Thomas and only when we were about an hour from Culebra were we able to sail with no engine.
Leaving Jost Van Dyke
We arrived and anchored in Ensenada Honda early afternoon. After putting the dinghy down we headed into town to clear customs. While there, we met a couple from Toronto who leave their boat in the Virgin Islands during the summer and cruise during the winter. We later met them at a bar and over a few beers decided to walk to Flamingo Beach the next day.
January 9, 2015
We met with Ian and Lorilee at 1100 and walked 45 minutes to the beach, (some 4 km one way). We enjoyed the beach for a bit before heading to a restaurant for lunch. Afterwards, we went back to the beach for a few more hours before walking back to the dinghy dock. Over beers again, we made arrangements to meet at the dinghy dock the next morning at 0600 and take the ferry to Fajardo.
Ian, Kim and Lorilee enjoying Flamingo Beach, Culebra.
Flamingo Beach.
As planned, we met at the dinghy dock at 0600 and walked to the ferry terminal. We caught the "cargo" ferry (carrying vehicles) to Fajardo which took 1-1/2 hours. We then found a bakery and had breakfast before making our way, via a discount taxi, to West Marine, Wal-Mart and a grocery store. As we spent too much time shopping, we took a regular taxi back to the ferry terminal, stopping at the bakery again and picking up empanadas which we ate while waiting for the ferry. Once back on Culebra, Ian and Lorilee joined us for happy hour aboard CS'ta Time.
Approaching Fajardo by ferry.
Kim, Lorilee and Ian aboard the ferry to Fajardo.
January 11, 2015 We weighed anchor and left Culebra at 0700. It was a motor sail until we got to the island of Viequez. When we rounded the island we were able to get a better direction on the wind and sail only to Puerto Patillas. We set anchor at 1600 hrs. We didn't go to shore, just anchored for the night as we were heading to Salinas the next morning.
January 12, 2015
Upon awakening at 0600, it was raining and windy. We decided to wait out the storm and sat tight until 0830. We weighed anchor and arrived in Salinas at 1230 after mostly motoring. The southern coast of Puerto Rico is just as I remembered it, big wind and big waves! At times the winds were gusting to 33 kts and coming directly from behind. On a number of occasions while surfing down a wave, CS'ta was gybing all by herself. We decided to bring the sails in and just motor until we got into Bahie Rincon when we were able to sail, about an hour to the anchorage. We put the dinghy down, went to the marina, had real showers, did laundry and arranged to rent a car for the next day.
January 13, 2015
We picked up the rental car at 1000. The first stop was to find propane as one tank we empty, Mission accomplished. We then took the highway into Ponce, once more visiting Wal-Mart (provisioning big time) and Home Depot. Just can't seem to stay away from the big box stores! After lunch and shopping, we took a secondary road, through rural Puerto Rico, back to Salinas. It was a busy day and an even busier night as we tried to stow away our purchases.
January 14, 2015
We had the car until noon so we did a bit more shopping before returning it. In the afternoon, Jorge changed the antifreeze in the engine (sounds strange doesn't it, in these latitudes!). It was an all afternoon job. We are now at a bar but getting ready to head back to the boat, put the dinghy up on the davits in preparation for moving tomorrow.
Marina de Salinas from our stern.
Rainbow over the anchorage at Salinas, PR.
Wednesday, January 7, 2015
Sorry for any typos in the last blog, I was sooooo tired. I just typed whatever came into my head and didn't proofread the blog.
January 2 to January 5, 2015
We had a great time in the BVIs! We initially anchored off Prickly Pear Island in Gorda Sound. During that time, we rented a car, toured the island including The Baths (totally awesome), Coppermine Pt, various beaches, Spanish Town and had dinner with the Argentine couple we met in St. Marten. They run a charter business out of Virgin Gorda and were between charters.
January 5, 2015
We weighed anchor and left Gorda Sound around 1000. The winds were strong, gusting to 33 kts but we had a double reef in the main and only a bit of genoa out, still hitting 6+ kts. The sail to Soper's Hole was done in less time than anticipated! Soper's Hole, at the west end of Tortola, is very deep and it seemed all the mooring balls were taken so we anchored just outside the bay. Unfortunately we were just off the ferry route so it was rolly during the day but once the ferries stopped running it settled at night. We decided to stay here only one night.
The winds are forecast to be diminishing a bit over the next couple of days so tomorrow the plan is to leave for Culebra, about a 6 hour sail, stay one night and then head to Puerto Rico the next.
January 2 to January 5, 2015
We had a great time in the BVIs! We initially anchored off Prickly Pear Island in Gorda Sound. During that time, we rented a car, toured the island including The Baths (totally awesome), Coppermine Pt, various beaches, Spanish Town and had dinner with the Argentine couple we met in St. Marten. They run a charter business out of Virgin Gorda and were between charters.
Charly cooking the asado.
His son, Valentino, helping out.
Savannah Beach, Virgin Gorda, BVI.
Ruins at Coppermine Pt.
Coppermine Pt., windward side of Virgin Gorda, check out the waves!
Anchorage at The Baths from Top of The Baths Restaurant.
Sometimes we needed help getting around inside The Baths.
Gorda Sound, Virgin Gorda (Prickly Pear Island is the first island in the background.)
January 5, 2015
We weighed anchor and left Gorda Sound around 1000. The winds were strong, gusting to 33 kts but we had a double reef in the main and only a bit of genoa out, still hitting 6+ kts. The sail to Soper's Hole was done in less time than anticipated! Soper's Hole, at the west end of Tortola, is very deep and it seemed all the mooring balls were taken so we anchored just outside the bay. Unfortunately we were just off the ferry route so it was rolly during the day but once the ferries stopped running it settled at night. We decided to stay here only one night.
Pusser's Landing.
Hey, that's the name of our next boat!
January 6, 2015
We topped up with water and left for Jost Van Dyke, only an hour sail away. Again we had great winds, to 23 kts, and we had a wonderful sail. We anchored in White Bay, I'm sure the Wasaga Beach of the BVIs! We had cleared out of the BVIs but decided to stay another day as it was a beautiful spot.
Approaching White Bay, Jost Van Dyke, BVI.
The beach at White Bay with Soggy Dollar Bar in the background.
CS'ta Time at anchorage at White Bay.
January 7, 2015
We walked to the top of one hill on Jost Van Dyke in the morning.
From atop the hill on Jost Van Dyke looking west.
White Bay anchorage, Tortola in the background to the left.
We left a Canadian memento.
Soggy Dollar Bar.
The winds are forecast to be diminishing a bit over the next couple of days so tomorrow the plan is to leave for Culebra, about a 6 hour sail, stay one night and then head to Puerto Rico the next.
Friday, January 2, 2015
Happy New Year's (better late than never).
A couple more pictures of what Hurricane Gonzalo did.
December 25, 2014
We had a very enjoyable Christmas dinner with some cruisers, well actually live-aboards, I don't believe they leave Marigot Bay! Jim cooked a turkey with all the trimmings, I brought I dessert, baked fresh that day from a bakery, not me! And yes there were stores open on Christmas day, captivating on the tourist season. Two other cruisers joined us and we had a great night.
December 26, 214
I was feeling very lazy. I felt like someone pulled the plug out of my big toe and all my energy drained away. I'm sure it had something to do with the trip from St. Kitt's to St. Martin. Jorge decided today was the day to look into the auto pilot problem. So yes, the boat got ripped apart. Unfortunately he was not able to solve the problem, he thinks the "brains" are shot. He also took apart the fuel gauge indicator as that was malfunctioning as well. Not able to fix that either. Hmmm, not a good batting average.
Jim and Maria (the couple who had us over for Christmas dinner) opened a floating restaurant in the bay, called H2O, as a metting place for cruisers. Burgers and a beer just $6.00 and as I was having withdrawal from Friday Build Your Own Burger in Grenada, we went to the boat to support them and mingled with other cruisers.
December 27, 2014
Jorge went to Budget Marine to buy a new fuel gauge. He dropped me off at a dinghy dock so I could walk to the grocery store. Then back to the boat to install the gauge (working perfectly now). We didn't do too much else for the day.
December 28, 2014
Okay I really can't remember what we did today, guess it wasn't that exciting. I know Jorge transferred fuel from the jerry cans to the fuel tank and bought a couple of jugs of water but other than that it was preffect quiet.
December 29, 2014
Ditto to yesterday.
December 30, 2014
The temperature reading on our fridge has caused us concern over the last couple of days and today when I pulled a beer out of the fridge, it was swimming in water. Oh boy, not a good sign, it appeared the freezer had self defrosted. Well that part was okay by me! Luckily everything in the freezer remained frozen and the fridge was still keeping things cold. a real mystery. Anyhow Jorge investigated by taking everything out of the port side lazarette to get at the fridge compressors, which looked fine to him. However . . . . because the lazarette was empty he had a look around and discovered a water leak around the bolts holding the rudder post in place (at least that is my take on the situation). While tightening them, one head literally broke off. Okay so at least one bolt was compromized so he decided to replace all four.
But first things first. Sandy from our club in HYC takes an annual vacation in St. Martin and flew in late this afternoon. Jorge surprised her at her apartment, picked her up by dinghy and brought her to CS'ta Time for dinner. We had a great evening, a little bit of home so far away.
December 31. 2014
Jorge informed me first thing in the morning that we were not going to leave for the BVIs that night after the fireworks. He dropped me off at the marina in the morning so I could do laundry while he went in search of the bolts for the rudder, which he was successful in finding. After lunch we went to Sandy's as she had graciously offered us showers and internet. Ahhhh . . . civilization! We visited for the afternoon but we had accepted a New Year's Eve invitation to H20 and left Sandy to party with the gang from her complex. The Dutch side of the island celebrated with fireworks as did Anguilla so we were able to see both. Bedtime was after the real midnight but boater's midnight at 2100!
January 1, 2014
While in Marina Fort Louis this morning, Jorge stopped by a boat owned by an Argentine couple. It was her birthday so we got an invite to lunch aboard their boat to celebrate.
After lunch he started on replacing the bolts. Yes, everything was taken apart again, including the whole steering mechanism to gain access to the bolts. To make a long story short, the job was finished by 1800. We jumped in the dinghy and made the rounds saying goodbye to Sandy and some other cruisers we had met during our stay in St. Martin. It was the end of a good weather window and we needed to take it. The winds were forecast to increase starting tomorrow and lasting for 5 to 7 seven days, to 25 - 30 kts. Goodbyes were said, we checked out just in the nick of time, put the boat back in order and had a quick bite for dinner. Marigot Bay had their New Year's Eve fireworks tonight at 2100 so we enjoyed the farewell and left the anchorage around 2200.
January 2, 2014
We had a great sail last night. Winds were a constant 20 kts with seas a little rolly about 5 - 6 ft. We left under a full moon while stayed with us until almost 0400. We arrived in Virgin Gorda at 1200, scouted out the bay before finally picking a spot to anchor. We want to be sure we are well settled for the winds that are forecast. After lunch we had a short nap therefore missing check in times but hey that's a boat job for tomorrow!
A couple more pictures of what Hurricane Gonzalo did.
December 25, 2014
We had a very enjoyable Christmas dinner with some cruisers, well actually live-aboards, I don't believe they leave Marigot Bay! Jim cooked a turkey with all the trimmings, I brought I dessert, baked fresh that day from a bakery, not me! And yes there were stores open on Christmas day, captivating on the tourist season. Two other cruisers joined us and we had a great night.
December 26, 214
I was feeling very lazy. I felt like someone pulled the plug out of my big toe and all my energy drained away. I'm sure it had something to do with the trip from St. Kitt's to St. Martin. Jorge decided today was the day to look into the auto pilot problem. So yes, the boat got ripped apart. Unfortunately he was not able to solve the problem, he thinks the "brains" are shot. He also took apart the fuel gauge indicator as that was malfunctioning as well. Not able to fix that either. Hmmm, not a good batting average.
Jim and Maria (the couple who had us over for Christmas dinner) opened a floating restaurant in the bay, called H2O, as a metting place for cruisers. Burgers and a beer just $6.00 and as I was having withdrawal from Friday Build Your Own Burger in Grenada, we went to the boat to support them and mingled with other cruisers.
Jim (from B.C.) and Maria (from the D.R.) on H20.
Aboard H20.
Ditto.
Jorge went to Budget Marine to buy a new fuel gauge. He dropped me off at a dinghy dock so I could walk to the grocery store. Then back to the boat to install the gauge (working perfectly now). We didn't do too much else for the day.
Provisioning (Heineken at an excellent price!)
Okay I really can't remember what we did today, guess it wasn't that exciting. I know Jorge transferred fuel from the jerry cans to the fuel tank and bought a couple of jugs of water but other than that it was preffect quiet.
December 29, 2014
Ditto to yesterday.
December 30, 2014
The temperature reading on our fridge has caused us concern over the last couple of days and today when I pulled a beer out of the fridge, it was swimming in water. Oh boy, not a good sign, it appeared the freezer had self defrosted. Well that part was okay by me! Luckily everything in the freezer remained frozen and the fridge was still keeping things cold. a real mystery. Anyhow Jorge investigated by taking everything out of the port side lazarette to get at the fridge compressors, which looked fine to him. However . . . . because the lazarette was empty he had a look around and discovered a water leak around the bolts holding the rudder post in place (at least that is my take on the situation). While tightening them, one head literally broke off. Okay so at least one bolt was compromized so he decided to replace all four.
But first things first. Sandy from our club in HYC takes an annual vacation in St. Martin and flew in late this afternoon. Jorge surprised her at her apartment, picked her up by dinghy and brought her to CS'ta Time for dinner. We had a great evening, a little bit of home so far away.
Jorge and Sandy aboard CS'ta Time.
Kim and Sandy aboard CS'ta Time.
December 31. 2014
Jorge informed me first thing in the morning that we were not going to leave for the BVIs that night after the fireworks. He dropped me off at the marina in the morning so I could do laundry while he went in search of the bolts for the rudder, which he was successful in finding. After lunch we went to Sandy's as she had graciously offered us showers and internet. Ahhhh . . . civilization! We visited for the afternoon but we had accepted a New Year's Eve invitation to H20 and left Sandy to party with the gang from her complex. The Dutch side of the island celebrated with fireworks as did Anguilla so we were able to see both. Bedtime was after the real midnight but boater's midnight at 2100!
Jim and Maria's party boat.
January 1, 2014
While in Marina Fort Louis this morning, Jorge stopped by a boat owned by an Argentine couple. It was her birthday so we got an invite to lunch aboard their boat to celebrate.
Lunch aboard Crystal Clear.
After lunch he started on replacing the bolts. Yes, everything was taken apart again, including the whole steering mechanism to gain access to the bolts. To make a long story short, the job was finished by 1800. We jumped in the dinghy and made the rounds saying goodbye to Sandy and some other cruisers we had met during our stay in St. Martin. It was the end of a good weather window and we needed to take it. The winds were forecast to increase starting tomorrow and lasting for 5 to 7 seven days, to 25 - 30 kts. Goodbyes were said, we checked out just in the nick of time, put the boat back in order and had a quick bite for dinner. Marigot Bay had their New Year's Eve fireworks tonight at 2100 so we enjoyed the farewell and left the anchorage around 2200.
January 2, 2014
We had a great sail last night. Winds were a constant 20 kts with seas a little rolly about 5 - 6 ft. We left under a full moon while stayed with us until almost 0400. We arrived in Virgin Gorda at 1200, scouted out the bay before finally picking a spot to anchor. We want to be sure we are well settled for the winds that are forecast. After lunch we had a short nap therefore missing check in times but hey that's a boat job for tomorrow!
A tall ship in Virgin Gorda.
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