Wednesday, April 16, 2025

British Virgin Islands - page 2



THURSDAY

This crew is pretty laid back and subdued.  They are perfectly content to just relax and chill all day long.  The boat had a lounging pit up on the topmost deck, a really cool place to just hang out, which of course we all did, and often.  So it took a bit of provoking from me to stir up interest in anything requiring effort.  Here at Jost Van Dyke, I had tentatively suggested something really ambitious:  a hike up to the 1000-foot tall hilltop.  Well, there was zero enthusiasm for that.

The Bubbly Pool

 


However, I insisted that we visit the Bubbly Pool, a popular spot where the surf tumbles over the rocks and creates a sauna of foamy bubbles.  From Foxies, the trail to it was short but a bit challenging, with some big rocks and things to climb over. 



 


 

Becky in the bubbles


Well, the Bubbly Pool lived up to the hype quite well!  When a really big wave came crashing in, you had to hold on tight - while squeals of delight emanated from the water-lovers within.  Definitely worth the effort to get there!

 






 


Next up was a 13-mile upwind sail along the north shore of Tortola, and passing south of Guana Island and Great Camanoe.  We were running low on some provisions, so I set a course for Marina Cay, which had facilities for re-stocking.  This sail would require multiple come-abouts (when the wind crosses over the bow).  Monohulls do this with ease, but some catamarans do not, if at all.  I've been on some cats where, to turn thru the wind, I had to either: A) crank up the engine on the outside of the turn, or:  B) do a 270 all the other way around.  However, all things considering, a catamaran really is the optimum boat for this kind of sailing:  it's big and roomy, and does not heel.  (The girls all hate heeling!)  And so, I directed Bart, my faithful helm assistant, to hold the jib in backwind for a brief moment until the bow came thru.  Flambuoyant performed nicely!

Mighty sailing men

 

Everyone now has a "boat bite" or two.  Bruises, skinned knees, sunburn, etc.  And I'm getting some kind of crud that is making me lose my voice.




 

This fine vessel has a water-maker, which can desalinate up to 30 gallons per hour and put it right into the freshwater tank.  This is a vital tool when ten people live aboard.  On long sails like this one, we ran it continuously. 

Most of the systems on the boat run pretty good, but the air conditioner is another story.  The nights can get a bit warm, but the AC is somewhat unreliable, sometimes cutting off in some cabins.  We're experimenting with thermostat settings, trying to tame this beast.

Using duct tape

 


 

And then there is those darn ceiling panels in the salon, which tend to fall down in rough waters - like, you know, today.  We're using duct tape to try to hold them up.  Hey - what's a sailing trip without a bit of good 'ole duct tape?





 


 

Galley slaves


But we certainly eat well!  Each day, our industrious galley slaves whip up another delectable dish in our boat's roomy, well-furnished galley.

 





FRIDAY

My original itinerary had us going all the way into Gorda Bay, on the north side of Virgin Gorda, over on the east end of the BVIs.  But, itineraries are just suggestions, and so today's destination became Long Bay, up on the NW corner of Virgin Gorda, just below the small peninsula known as Mountain Point (aka Mountain Bay).  The journey was all upwind, and would pass just south of the little island group known as The Dogs.  The diving and snorkeling at The Dogs was supposed to be excellent, but it was also quite exposed.  We had already had our fill of trying to snorkel in heavy waves.  This little nook we were headed to would be well protected.

Columbus had named this big island thusly because he thought it resembled a virgin lying on her back.  He must have had quite the imagination.  Or very lonely, whatever.  Anyway, our little cove in the corner also had reportedly good snorkeling.  There were only a couple of other boats there.  There were no mooring balls, so we had to break out the anchor for the first time.


Break out the kayaks!

We lowered the kayaks, and everyone indulged for some fun in the sun.  My kayak partner was Mary, who turned out to be quite the paddling powerhouse!

Leisure on the foredeck

I donned a mask and snorkel to check on the anchor.  But when I looked down, there were 6 or 7 HUGE tarpon fish lurking beneath the boat.  Freaked me out!  Earlier, the girls had thrown some popcorn into the water, which had attracted some small fish, et cetera, et cetera.  Later that night, with the blue underwater lights on, we had a major conflagration of monstrous fish circling about, entertaining us for hours on end.

Assistant Hood Ornament



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