Sailing Encore

Here is the continuing saga of our 1985 adventure in the Caribbean. At this point we are about two months into the journey and over 5 weeks without a prop (propeller) on the boat. This allows us to run the engine to charge the batteries for light power but does not enable us to use the motor to control the boat. So we are 100% sailors. We have mastered using sails to get on and off the anchor and in and out of marina. But it is all a struggle and poor Stephen (about 19-20 months at this point) has been dragged along on his parents’ adventure.

12-3-85

We decided to take off from the marina and show Ann and David some of the pretty anchorages and beautiful snorkeling in the Virgins. When we first asked people to join us on our trip I imagined showing everyone a great time- sun, fun and good food. Now (after Paul living through the prop and engine problems) I just hope they don’t hate us. So yesterday we sailed out in rough, nauseating seas over to Great Lameshur Bay on St. John.

Only one other boat around. We snorkeled and had steaks on the BBQ for dinner and relaxed. Decided to stay here today and take it easy. We did a lot more snorkeling and Vernon caught a small lobsters that he threw back. Saw some turtles and plenty of fish and a nurse shark. I made pretty good shrimp fritters for dinner and cherry cobbler for dessert. Steve had fun swimming but makes a real fuss to be near me. He had a melt down after dinner and it is hard for all of us. Sometimes I am so tired.

12-5-85

Yesterday we had a pleasant sail to Tortola. I didn’t get sick! We anchored outside of the Moorings Marina and David and Ann took a room at the hotel because his back is bothering him. Or maybe the tight quarters with a 2 year old. Last night we rocked and rolled and Steve cried out a lot. Every time he turns in the bunk he hits the wall or the lee cloth and cries. Poor guy. We are trying him in the aft berth tonight.

Today we all took a taxi to Cane Garden Bay and played on the beach. Had a fun time, especially Steve! Stayed and had dinner at Rhymers then danced to the Steel Drum Band at Stanley’s. Steve sure feels the beat!

12-7-85

We left Tortola and sailed to Salt Island to dive the Rhone yesterday. Anchored at day anchorage around corner and Vernon, David and Ann dighnyed to Rhone. Ann had some problems with regulator and they ended up “floundering the Rhone”. Sailed on to Little Harbour on Peter Island and they dove outside the point. Vernon missed ‘BIG’ bug. Beautiful bay with very clear green blue water! Lots of fish. We all snorkeled this morning and right now we are flying the ‘chute in a light 4-5 knot breeze and doing 4 knots.

Steve’s been so good today enjoyed the swimming and took a good nap. The weather has been hot and sunny.

12-8-85

Spent last night at Francis Bay on St. John. Big bay with sandy beach. Maho Campsite is there. They have nice tents structures built on the hillside among the overgrown trees. Like the Swiss Family Robinson treehouse. Found the camp store and restocked on some goodies. Finally got out the video equipment to show the folks that we are starting to enjoy ourselves. Snorkeled around with Vernon and saw a small shark under a rock ledge and tiny lobster. Finally got out champagne David and Ann brought us! Today we sailed from Francis Bay back to Yacht Haven Marina to let Ann and David go to Frenchman’s Reef on St Thomas for his medical conference this week. We’ll get wash done, clean and restock boat and of continue to wait for the blessed prop to arrive. But that was really a fun week we just had. It is what we had in mind! Oh and guess who was at the dock at the marina to catch our lines? Garreth- the bloke who sold us this boat. And all the times Vernon cursed him- but he was civil and they talked about the issues we have had. Garreth said the boat never gave him trouble because he really didn’t live on it, he was just the person selling it for the owner back in England.