Last few days in Bermuda
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Last few days in Bermuda “32:22.80N 64:40.53W” 7008 Miles since leaving Sandwich. 28th May 2023 Just a short one this time as it is well past my bedtime and we are sailing tomorrow. Tony has done wonders in the engine bay and we are now back using our original electric lift pump. With the simple expedient of dipping it in petrol, drying it off and then running petrol through it the last remains of the dreaded diesel bug were cleaned out and the pump now works perfectly. Once reinstalled the engine starts first push of the button and there is no lag when you accelerate hard anymore. We have run it in gear on the dock for several hours without a hiccup so fingers crossed we have finally got things sorted. As a last job we cleaned the filters and re terminated all of the electrical connections – job done me thinks.
As clean inside as it is outside our shiny lift pump. We had a nice meal out with Steve and Jane, the English couple from the boat next door, last night. They have had a rough time of it. They joined the return ARC only to have their forestay part 300 miles out into the Atlantic. Limping into Bermuda under engine they have been stuck here for three weeks now trying to get it fixed. In their 70’s and with only the two of them aboard it has been a traumatic time for them. As getting the forestay fixed just wasn’t happening with the local workers we all rallied around and with the boat next door on the other side of us taking the lead we rigged them a jury forestay using two halliards and some Spectra line. Once it was all tightened down firmly had a mast that will at least stand up to a double reefed main and the stay sail. Their revised plan is to sail back to America and get the boat fixed there. Unfortunately, at present they have had enough of the hassles as this is just another in a long line of breakages (sound familiar) and the consensus is that they will sell the boat in America and end the cruising life. Today being our last full day on the island we had a tourist day. Before we headed for the bus stop, we had the pleasure of watching a sailing regatta from the front of the boat. Four traditional day boats with absolutely massive sail areas and crews of 5 raced a windward, Leward course right in front of us. They were followed up and down by at least 15 motorboats of various sizes and all gathered on a couple of large barges between races to have a barbecue. Interestingly one of them changed rigs at half time opting for a taller mast and even longer bowsprit! I can only assume that there is a trade off between maximum sail area and how much it is physically possible to handle in the conditions. The gamble paid off and they won the second half of the regatta.
A lot of sail on a small hull First stop after the regatta was the crystal caves which although expensive to get in, what isn’t in Bermuda, were a very interesting sight to see. Two cave complexes were discovered in the 1920’s by a couple of boys looking for their cricket ball would you believe. They discovered the cave complex much to the delight of the landowner above I am sure who was gifted with a multi-generational income stream, lucky people. It was all very clean and well run as is everything in Bermuda and of course the guides were very polite, helpful, and knowledgeable about the caves.
Crystal clear Briny water in the caves
45ft deep at this point After the caves and a pit stop at an ice cream parlour we jumped back on the bus and went to the St Georges cricket ground. No cricket match was scheduled but the Bermuda Pie Company located on sight was open and let’s face it that was the real reason that we had made the journey. Three home made pies and a plate of loaded fries later we were a very full trio as we dragged ourselves upright again from our impromptu luncheon sitting in the empty bleachers.
Now that is a pie to be proud of. With the evening coming in and the tree frogs chirruping away we walked the 1 Km back to Captain Smokes Marina in time to try our hand at a bit of fishing which of course drew a blank and then watch the moon come up from the vantage point of the aft deck table. That was it for the day really. We are more or less ready to go, tomorrow I will walk up to the office to pay our dues and then get the Spectra ready to go while Norma walks into town to clear customs and do a last-minute stock up of fresh food. The plan is to slip the mooring about lunchtime and be in Halifax, Nova Scotia in 5- or 6-days’ time.
Tony has a new phone and the camera is pretty blooming amazing Heading towards a full moon so clear skies and bright nightshifts for the next week. I will switch updates to Iridium go from tomorrow and then as always gather all of those together when we get into Canada. To track us along the way this coming week check out the updates at: https://forecast.predictwind.com/tracking/display/SV-Spectra/ |
