Friday 8/04/11

1200UT Position 20:27.3N  64:29.7W

Distance run Start - 12000UT: 127NM

1200UT COG 010M, SOG 6.8kts, wind 090M 12kts, baro 1017 rising

1200UT Temperatures: Air 26, Sea 25.7

Intention: to continue sailing to Bermuda (St Georges) 696NM

 

Thursday afternoon was spent on a quick exploration of Virgin Gorda, a lovely island with friendly people.  The Baths are a must to see, large granite boulders forming natural caves and emerald swimming pools with pure white sand; similar geology to the Ross of Mull/Iona but more spectacular and the sea is warmer!  Interestingly, there is an old copper mine dating from the 16th century and first developed by the Spanish nearby.  We enjoyed a pleasant swim in the warm clear water.  On return we submitted a pre-arrival proforma to the Bermudan maritime regional control centre (with crew and yacht details including onboard safety equipment) and received a welcoming response.   Wednesday evening is Caribbean buffet night at the Dog and Turtle and together with the complimentary rum punch and local misic was a fitting end to our time in the region.

 

After final prearations and more farewells, we departed Virgin Gorda Yacht Haven and headed north through the islands, clearing Anegeda at 1600 local.  We then had a cracking fetch through the night on the direct bearing for Bermuda (014M) with the swell gradually decreasing and achieving speeds of 8kts.  Supper was a beef casserole with an interesting sauce followed by caramel pudding.  The sky gradually cleared revealing a magnificent array of stars and planets, with a new moon to our west.  With the dawn (1010UT) the wind started to drop as we close on the high to our north but with full sail are maintaining a respectable course and speed.  Our daily radio schedule at 1400UT with Simon on Skylla who is 120NM ahead confirmed light airs to come and that they are now motoring (and that they had caught a Dorado to supplement the rations!).  We also had a chat with Robbie on Maymio, 130NM astern.

 

More tomorrow as we continue our passage north.