I left my kedge in Anegada
Persephone... Cruiser/Racer
Nigel & Karen Goodhew...
Sun 7 Apr 2013 15:39
|
We met George and Kayleigh at the airport on Beef
Island, and immediately set a tone for the duration of their stay by visiting
the Loose Mongoose bar at Trellis Bay for some late sundowners....
Next morning, off to Road Harbour for victualling
and then to see the sights and sail around these wonderful islands and beautiful
anchorages. Equipped with new snorkelling gear, we were determined to show them
the highlights we ourselves had discovered only a few days earlier.
After a second arrival at Gorda Sound, and a couple
of nights at anchor there, we set off for Anegada, a few miles to the
north.
This is an interesting island, made from coral and
sand rather than volcanic rock. It is long and low lying...the highest point is
said to be 28 feet above sea level, and the pilotage is not easy, as the whole
island is surrounded by reefs of coral heads. The channel that does exist is a
slightly nerve wracking approach, especially for Persephone who draws 2.1
metres...exactly the same amount as the depth of water available.
We made it in, however and anchored a short
distance off the beach with approximately 6 inches of water under our keel. Our
trusty CQR kedge anchor...which we had used exclusively since leaving the UK,
paid a heavy price, though. While digging the anchor into the sandy bottom
(typically, one reverses the boat slowly away from the dropped anchor until it
"bites") we heard a loud bang, and then started drifting
backwards....
George retrieved the anchor chain and with it, only
about a third of the anchor! The iron casting had simply snapped, leaving
the plough part of the anchor deeply embedded in the sand beneath the waves. We
swiftly deployed our larger "main" anchor for the first time and all was
well.
Anegada was windy. Ater being treated to a huge
rain downpoor (we showered on deck) we all went ashore to walk the beach in the
blustery conditions, and to book a table at the highly recommended "Neptunes
Treasure " restaurant. The lobster is the piece de resistance on the menu and we
orderd a good deal more of it than we could actually manage!
Next morning, in 25 knots and occasional sun and
showers -it was nearly April after all- we set off for Jos Van Dyke with a lazy
cruising sail plan of genoa only. Kayleigh struggled to find her sea legs and we
anchored at Diamond Cay on the northern tip of the island. The bubbling pool was
next on our agenda,- a delightful beach supplied by foaming waves which force
themselves through a narrow entrance in the towering windward rocky face of the
island.
Next stop is Cane Garden Bay, and a visit to a 18th
century rum distillery....
|