Tortola to Sint Maarten
Bonkers
Donald Macdonald
Tue 9 Apr 2024 20:25
This morning had a lovely full English breakfast at Omars. 1st cooked breakfast since being away.
Left Nanny Cay at 0930 and motored the 2 miles upwind to Road Town so could clear customs and immigration. Fastest clearance so far this trip took about 5 minutes including paying the $3.50 fee.
Motor removed from the dinghy and stowed and secured on solat panel gantry. Dinghy lifted and secured on foredeck. Departed Road Town at 1130. Did a bit of motor sailing to get north a little of track and get by some islands, also the helped with the charging of the batteries as very overcast and charge when left Road Town just 85%. We are 100% now as cleared land the sky cleared too.
>From Tortola to St Maarten 90nm upwind. We are just about making track on port tack, 2 reefs in the main and full jib. The sea is very short and at times steep so keep crashing wave in front or falling off one, not very comfortable in the 17-20 knot breeze. 23nm miles completed and we are hoping to be at Simpson Bay bridge for the 0930 opening in the morning.
Dinner will later will be a simple affair with the sea state so will be mini ravioli with peas, soft bread roll and then fruit cocktail to finish.