BVI to AnnapolisŠ...passage underway..Š "Intrepid Crew"

Wallace's Sailing Adventure on "Arbella"
Mike and Vicki Wallace
Tue 26 May 2015 19:15
18:33.1N 64:56.4W  The "2015 Intrepid Crew" of "Arbella" is assembled, having arrived on May 23 and 24.  The crew went through the "Passage Preparation Plan" and "Safety Briefing", and began carrying out the myriad of activities to get prepared to leave for 1500 nautical miles, and about 10 days in the open ocean, being about 500 miles from land at the farthest point when we are half-way home.  This crew includes: Mike as Captain, Paul as 1st mate…as is always the case for the two of us….then Peter, Jim (aka "Cav"), and Paul (aka "Puller"…we could not handle having 2 "Paul" crew, so the captain used the first letter of the last name, "R" to suggest "Puller" as a nickname…pull lines….get it?…and Puller agreed). After 2 days of work, the crew dinner (pictures below) was held at Bananakeet, overlooking Cane Garden Bay, where we saw a great sunset.  Then came a day of "paddle boarding" at Smuggler's Cove, Tortola, by Paul, Peter, and Puller.  On May 26, we checked out of the BVI's at Soper's Hole, and we cleared into the U.S. at Cruz Bay, St. John, USVI.  A lunch in town, a swim off the boat, and we were off at 1600 (4pm)…with a few last minute tasks carried out in the stowing of gear.  Says Paul…."I told you where to put it"….says Puller…"I  put it where you told me, so get off my back"…..and so the friendly exchanges will likely continue….but for 10 DAYS!!  Indeed, a great crew has been assembled and is underway preparing for our first dinner aboard….rotisserie chicken, potatoes, salad, and vegetables…Pretty good stuff!

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