Bernie’s Blog

Wed 18^th we departed Antigua for an uneventful 85 mile overnight ‘shakedown’ sail to Dutch/French island of Saint Maarten. Once thre we spent a very busy two days shopping for victuals, storing them and undertaking minor repairs. After work each day we had two ‘runs ashore’; Thursday to a local Chinese Restaurant and on Friday final night we visited a typical yacht marina bar/restaurant where there was a BBQ and ‘Open Mike’; an opportunity for anyone who thought they had talent to get up and sing, play an instrument or tell a joke. Our crew did not contribute. An enjoyable, relaxing last evening on dry land for at least 3 weeks.

Saturday 21^st we sailed for the Azores. The ‘predicted ‘End of the World’ did not happen in spite of the fact that we had already been advised to not buy green bananas.

We departed on a north easterly track between the islands of Anguilla and St Maarten. However, just to remind us of our previous transatlantic crossing, a black faced gull hovered over the stern for about 15 mins and for awhile we thought there might be another crew member . The gull did not land aboard for which Peter the Skipper was most relieved!

On a bumpy sea, supper was spag bol magnificently cooked by Colin.

After 16 months in the Caribbean Yacht Susan Ayu is on her way home via the Azores – 2700 miles ahead of us.