According to the weather forecast we should be on a Port tack and a broad reach all the way from Curacoa to Ile a Vache. A sailor’s dream!

My dream was a quiet sail for my first sortie after 3 ½ months at anchor. Chris and I deliberated as to which seasickness treatment would be the most appropriate for me to take. The Scopoderm  patches have been the most effective so far but the side effects are light sensitivity and dry eyes. Having just recovered from my eye problem we felt it would not be appropriate. I took a quarter of a Stugeron tablet (a complete one would have me zombied for hours, not the ideal condition for 1^st mate).

We both were happy to be at sea again and we were doing a steady 6 to 7 kt with a full set of sails out. We watched Curacao fade away and tried to settle into a routine. Mine was sleeping in the cockpit and Chris’ was enjoying the freedom and fresh air.

I could not be tempted to eat any of the prepared food. I was trying to adjust to the motion, as for the Captain he did not look too happy.  It soon became apparent that he was suffering the effect of either the ear infection or the strong antibiotic he was taking and was seasick. The signs did not look too good. We were only 6 hours into the 4 day trip.  We set the sails and managed as best as we could. Chris was indeed sick and I tried to let him sleep from 12am to 6 p.m. the first night. There was very little boat traffic and I managed to catnap setting the timer for every 10 minutes.  We were going fast, perhaps too much canvass up but Scorch was steady and it was more important for Chris to sleep. 

Late afternoon there was an unpredicted wind shift to South East. The mounting waves were hitting the Starboard quarter making the motion less pleasant.  By then we had a settled routine. I was sleeping all the time apart from my watch.  We listened to an audio book to pass the time and to concentrate on something else.  We had to reduce speed to arrive in daylight.

The last 60 miles the wind died and we had to motor. We were very glad to arrive in the idyllic anchorage of Port Morgan, Ile a Vache where there was hardly a ripple and the rough passage came to an end. The washing machine effect  switched off!. It took me a while to feel human again. Chris was feeling much better.

Our friends Rudy and Marijke , s/y LIZZIE, waited for us to arrive before moving on.

 It was lovely to see them again. They were able to give us all the local information.