Sailing Encore

Here are some more journal entries from my 1985-86 adventure with Vernon and baby Steve (20 months old at this point of our trip). Since my visit home allowed me to find some photos to share about this trip I will put some here that go with the first posts: The boat being launched in Antigua, Steve and friends at the Marina, and my bother Paul on his visit.

Vernon thinks my journal from then was all doom and gloom, but I wrote about my feelings and it was a frustrating time for me. You will be happy to know that it did get so much better and remained an amazing adventure. So the story picks up again with my sister Ann and her boyfriend David flying in to have an adventure with us as we arrive in the US Virgin Islands. Still sans propeller on boat.

11-28-85

HAPPY THANKSGIVING! And we do have a lot to be thankful for. We left Fort de France about noon Tuesday only to drift in windless agony for about 6 hours. Ann and David are also sailors so we were able to make sail changes and fly the spinnaker without problems.

Finally the wind picked up and then it howled as we angled out to sea toward St. Thomas. I made spaghetti for dinner but lost it overboard as Ann and I were throwing up all night. The sea conditions were choppy and David AND Vernon felt sick the next day too. Everyone felt like shit except Steve, he was ready to eat – I could barely open a can of green beans for him. And watching him made me nauseous. The winds were steady all day and night with the boat sailing excellently at 7-8 knots. Caught a wave and surfed at 10 knots! Finally sighted St. Croix early this morning. Everyone perked up! Sailed into St. Thomas, Charlotte Amalie about 3pm. Straighten up the boat and got hotel rooms at the Marina- we sweetly sailed right into the slip! The showers felt fantastic. Steve had a ball in the bath. Just finished a turkey dinner at the marina restaurant. This bed feels sooo good. THANK YOU! And Happy Thanksgiving to all!

11-30-85

Well we have been at Yacht Haven Marina at St Thomas since Thursday. We moved the boat down the slipway today. The last few days we’ve been just relaxing, swimming at the pool and cleaning the boat. Vernon has been working on the engine and working on getting us a prop.

The engine has cost us $450 to fix so far and the prop will come in a week. Will it ever end?

We spent Thursday night at the hotel but went back to the boat Friday. Our expenses have been tremendous-with over half going into the boat. Food we would eat anywhere (although it is more expensive here) and anchorage or marina expenses have varied from place to place. But we have way over-drawn our money in comparison to what we thought our costs would be – and we haven’t fixed the prop yet. IN fact I do not see any end to our spending on this boat. We haven’t bought cushions for the cockpit. I wanted new pots and pans but not now. It wasn’t until these last few days here in St. Thomas, surrounded by other tourists and by American products that I’ve felt comfortable. I guess I feel that my responsibilities (galley, laundry, Steve, etc.) can be easily met here. Vernon still looks drawn and is sleeping more than ever. I know the trip north took a lot out of him- he didn’t sleep at all. But I also think he feels so very heavy with the responsibility of the boat problems and now the financial situation. And I know I don’t make it any easier on him with my complaining about things and letting Steve get the best of me. Steve’s done well these last few days- playing in the hotel pool and walking around. But I have yet to see another child his age here.  This Marina is full of adult tourists picking up their boat charters or supplies. Poor kid- when he does see someone his size he runs up excited and usually that kid doesn’t want anything to do with him. I do know that I often expect more than I should from a 20 month old. And being with him 24/7 is more than I did back home. And here’s some icing on the cake- I am late on my period.