18 21N 64 34W

Osprey
John Bowering
Sat 14 Feb 2009 11:56
Saturday 14th February - a really long day yesterday - we left the Marine Park anchorage at 0700 with two plans mind - either hide behind the top of St marten if the weather had not improved - a distance of only 20 miles, or if the weather was OK continue on to the BVI. The wind and sea were obviously in decline so we pushed on, aiming for Dead Chest Island which is about mid way along the Virgins. From a travel point of view it would be better to head for Anedaga which is on the windward side of the island chain and then cruise down wind. However we have to clear customs at either Tortola or West end which is in the centre hence Dead Chest Island. We really had a great sail for most of the day with just the 135% Genoa flying, wind and seas behind us and moving nicely along at 6 knots. Its a reasonably long day sail at just under 100 miles and we new we were going to have to find somewhere to park in the dark again. Late afternoon the wind dropped to under 12 knots and our speed dropped right back until we decided to motor sail at about 1930. It always seems a shame to have to noise of the engine spoiling the tranquillity but otherwise we would have not arrived until the morning. We threaded our way through the reef at about 2330 and found ourselves a hole in which to anchor in Dead Mans Bay amongst the usual unlit yachts. We were parked by Midnight by which time Anita was out on her feet and immediately headed for a shower and bed. The boat performed well on the passage and the new mainsail fits well although it had been on correctly mounted and will have to be sorted out when we have a moment. Although Anta is up bright and early after her late night I suspect today will have to move at a more leisurely pace and we can amble over to Sopers hole and clear customs when she is in the mood!

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