Meeting SY Spirit and Britican at Nanny Cay
Shelena
Phil Scourfield
Sat 7 May 2016 03:36
7-14th May, 2016
First thing to say is that Cay is pronounced "Quay". I'm sure that is
obvious but just in case anyone is in doubt. Now you know. Our timing was
intended to see off the World Cruising Club's departure to the US. We
arrived at noon as the yachts, about 30, were ready to start the official
sail to the US, although we had decided not to join them preferring to stop
en route rather than passage all in one go. It was a splendid sight which
stirs up thoughts of whether it would have been fun to join them. Anyhow,
too late now.
No sooner were we arriving at our pontoon when our bow thruster failed. This
bit of kit is fairly essential in the confines of a marina when manoeuvring
a yacht the size of Shelena because the bow thruster pushes the bow to right
or left. This in distinction to the main engine that propels forward or
backwards and over time can move to the required direction by use of the
rudder. Fortunately, H had just thrown our dock line to the marina Dock
Master when the failure occured so we could be hauled in by hand. This all
meant we had an extended stay in Tortola waiting for a replacement motor. A
warranty issue to be sure but it meant our stay was prolonged. That said if
forced to stay anywhere unexpectedly, then Nanny Cay is a great place to be.
Instantly propelled to be our favourite marina during our passages to date.
Why? Mostly the outstanding shower facilities said to be the best in the
Caribbean or even the world. Each shower was in a room with own WC, basin,
huge walk in shower big enough to accommodate the whole crew of most sailing
yachts; except this was not necessary because the water was plentiful and
not on ration as is the case in many places visited. We also liked the
restaurant. I liked the onsite marina shop for bits I never realised I
needed. Most of all it was the perfect chance to catch up with the crew on
Spirit and on Britican too.
Tom and Hannah are moving on from Spirit to find new work. We wish them
well. They are an excellent couple. Tom with skipper skills and Hannah in
the galley. Britican is the only yacht we know that are planning as we are
to sail to the US. Kim is a US citizen and is going home and Simon is
British. They are joined by their daughter Sienna who has just turned 6.
They sailed the Med for two years and continue their adventure is the US and
beyond. We expect to meet up with them again during our passages.