Friday we cleared in to Nevis.  Slow process - computerisation just been introduced and they could not get the printer to print the clearance in certificate - so eventually the clearance out was printed with biro additions to show we had cleared in.  So afternoon we went to the beach.

Saturday we took a taxi to the botanical gardens - taxi driver was great - friendly informative and helpful - if you need a taxi in Nevis, ask for John "Ford" Parris.  The gardens were a collection of trees, plants, sculptures and statues, mainly from the far east.  We spent 2 hours wandering around and then had lunch in the garden's Thai restaurant which was on the top floor of the old sugar plantation house;  spectacular views and setting on the verandah which went all around the top floor.

We know that the leg back to Antigua would be into the wind, and when we did Guadaloupe to Antigua is had been pretty tough, so with wind forecast for 20 knots with occasional squalls it was with some trepidation that we set off at 07.00 for the 60 mile trip.  In the event it was far better than expected;  we kept the main with the third reef, no headsail, and motorsailed - initially at about 25 degrees to the wind, but with the wind staying at about 14kn the sea started to improve and we just motored straight towards Antigue, with the sail just minimizing the lateral rocking motion;  some fore and aft pounding in the sea, but nothing too excessive or prolonged.  We eventually arrived in Falmouth harbour at 16.30.

Bit of fun then - in  picking up the mooring we suddenly has a squall;  pouring rain and high winds.  Rosemary picked up the buoy like a professional but the wind took the bow over the bouy, which still had the (new) boat hook through it.  To prevent it being bent Rosemary dropped it in the water.  With one line secured through the buoy James then put on his flippers jumped in the water and swam after the pole and its now detatched hook and retrieved them both.  To complete the mooring while still in the water he then took the second rope, put it through the buoy and returned it to Rosemary on deck.

After the excitement, a couple of beers then dinner on the boat, followed by an early night.

The last two blogs have used the satphone, so no pictures- so to catch up I am adding a few of St Barts, as well as Nevis (plus James looking worried at the helm!)