18:23.2N  64:30.8W

Position at 27/1/12

From Virgin Gorda we had another epic voyage to Cooper Island, only an hours sail. We picked up a buoy in Manchioneel Bay, named after the poisonous trees that line the beach. It’s a delightful bay, with clear water, but difficult to anchor as there are so many buoys, which get charged out at US$25 a night. Mind you, there has been some investment since I was last here in 2006. The buoys all look very professional and secure, and the bar / restaurant has gone right up market.

Now that we are in the BVI’s we can drink Painkillers. These were invented at the Soggy Dollar Bar on Jost Van Dyke, and in 2006 we made a pilgrimage there to see for ourselves. The recipe includes orange and pineapple juices, coconut milk, masses of ice, and freshly grated nutmeg on top – oh and some people put a little rum in as well. Some people say you have to let the mixture ferment for a day or two before adding the rum, others say not but that you have to add “more love”. We tried making it in the UK but it just doesn’t taste the same.

Cooper Island Painkiller rating 7/10, much better than Spanish Town.

Heres a shot from the bar, with Salila moored in view. I hear its cold in England?