Today was definitely less wind, with more sun and a good forecast, so we weighed anchor at last after clearing customs and stowing for sea and left English Harbour at about 09.30 to start South again.  Ed and James waved goodbye from Gloria as we left and we set off with the usual 2 reefs in the main and a full genoa into a fairly rough sea, but no worse than usual.  We had a fabulous sail with the apparent wind just forward of the beam, the sun shining and Alcedo creaming along at 9 knots most of the time, lovely.  Letitia, one of the largest ARC boats, passed well to Starboard going North but we could not raise her on the VHF.  We arrived in Dashaies at about 14.30 so managed to anchor slightly further in than the first time.  Great Escape, with skipper Mike from Whitby flying his ARC 2013 flag and Ayesha, another Oyster which also did the ARC, were there and Ear to Eternity joined us later.  After clearing customs and a short wander round the shops, we were joined by Peter and his son Ian for a “sundowner”, followed by a very gusty night with the anchor alarm set and the wind generator creating a great deal of noise as well as electricity.  Everything on a boat has a good side and a bad side.  So now we are going to re-visit the Botanical Gardens as our last visit was very rushed and then try the Pigeon Island anchorage to do so some snorkelling and get some sleep.

 

Alcedo