After the long lay-up in Bobby’s Megayard waiting for hurricane season to pass and the inevitable maintenance tasks to be completed, Tucanon was re-launched on 20th January.  Boat yards are never comfortable places for boats or crew, even though the staff at Bobby’s were very helpful and we met some delightful people. I was fortunate to have John Quilliam helping me with the work for nearly two weeks before the launch, and he made a big difference, as well as being good company.

 

“Lagoonies” is a very sociable restaurant/bar next to FKG, the riggers, with happy hour from 5-7pm which attracted a wide range of both cruisers and local trades people.  Food is good and reasonably priced. The Friday evening performance by Koolberry Jam was of a very high standard and the repertoire well aimed at the mostly mature clients.  Most of the people present were relaxed enough to participate in the dancing, with all styles accepted.

It was there that we met Bill and Karen from Australia who are in the midst of renovating their locally acquired Marquesa 56 catamaran.  This is a big job which they are tackling with considerable energy and will result in a very fine boat.  They showed the characteristic openness and friendliness of their countrymen and we shall stay in touch.

 

We departed from St Maarten’s Simpson Bay under the lifting road bridge at 10.30 on Wednesday 22nd January and were on our way to Anguilla.  This is only about 20 miles away (the two islands are adjacent, but independent).  We were pleased to find that there were no unidentified problems after all the work that had been put in in the boat yard.

 

John put out his fishing line as soon as we were clear and had set the sails.  45 minutes after passing under the bridge he had landed the first Mahi Mahi of this cruise.   For this he was later awarded a marine “Gold Star” from the anchorage in Anguilla.

 

Our passage to Anguilla passed uneventfully with a broad reach in 15 knots of wind for most of the way.  Easy sailing under a sunny sky was just what we needed for our first outing of the year.  By 2pm we were anchored in Road Bay, Anguilla, a chance to test the generator, water maker, and washing machine – all of which went without a hitch.  A stroll along the beach was punctuated by an enjoyable, if rather expensive, rum punch at Johnies bar/restaurant (next to the Customs and Immigration office). 

 

After a supper of grilled fish prepared by John, we had a peaceful night in the anchorage with no wind to disturb us and a bay full of mast head lights scattered light stars behind us.