Despite the squally weather that gives us a good soaking every hour or two we decided to take Oboe out for a training day for our two RYA Day Skippers, Marcus and James.  If we are to sail up to the BVI’s later in the week we need a good team able to helm, tack, gybe and reef the sails.  Marcus, of course, is a seasoned dinghy sailor with a number of race wins to his name but working the winches on a 50ft yacht is a different matter so even he needs cross-training.  James is new to sailing but taking to it like a duck to water.  Tell him once and that’s all that’s needed!  He has had a broad smile on his face all day and surely his cheeks must hurt!

What a difference a day makes.  Here we are anchored in Deep Bay, relaxed and talking enthusiastically about the new skills we have learned today.  It’s only 1600 hours, the sun is shining and swimming off the back of the boat is proving a popular way to cool down.

En route to Deep Bay from English Harbour Mike proved his skills as a fisherman, not that he really needs to prove it as fishing of all styles is one of his hobbies.  Just as a squall hit we snagged a Barracuda – all teeth and snarls but not very good eating. So Mike looked him in the eye, unhooked him and let him live another day – phew, he was ugly.  I guess this means defrosting the frozen chicken breasts for dinner tonight!

Nigel