Leaving Rodney Bay - 13:49N 61:03W
Neki
Thu 30 Dec 2010 16:28
Tonight we christened the boat with champagne. We did not do this in England
as we wanted to be there as a family to welcome Neki into our lives. It was
a good idea that was poorly executed. Like many of Dad's ideas we thought it
out but not enough. We saved two champagne bottles that Oyster provided and
brought them across the Atlantic. One was for pictures and then drinking
while the other was for the christening. After discussions with the Oyster
Team I decided to wrap the bottle in a protective net and tape it. I found a
net in the US and brought it along. I was wise enough to tape the handle of
the bottle and the bottom but for some inexplicable reason I did not tape
the middle. Mom did not think it was safe to have Alexandra assist in the
christening but both Mom and I acquiesced and allowed her to participate.
Alas the worst happened. A piece of bottle cut through the net, where it was
not taped and cut Alexandra's arm! We immediately sprung into unwanted
action and got out the first aid kits. We added sutures to the kit and were
thankful for it. It was a clean cut with very little bleeding and we
considered using DermaBond but Dr. Anji thought stitches were necessary. I
agreed but this was not a popular decision with a frightened 9 year old
girl. The aft deck of the boat became our operating room as we kicked on the
Aft Deck light and got to work. Both boys were incredibly supportive of
their sister and held her throughout the ordeal. Once the decision was made
Alexandra's bravery was incredible. She toughed it out and did well. She did
so well that once it was done and we were cleaning up she said "Let's get
ready for dinner"! Incredible all around. Needless to say we still have an
unopened bottle of champagne that we go towards our New Years celebration.
29 December
This morning we made the boat ready for sea and checked out of Rodney Bay
Marina. The staff was helpful and a special thanks to "Tiny" our dockmaster.
We needed fuel so we asked a local to ride over to the fuel dock to help us
tie up. This did nothing to calm Anji down who was visibly nervous about
finally casting off. We got fuel without incident and headed out to sea.
Anji is keen to learn and asks a million questions. She is catching on fast
as we knew she would. We headed south towards the Pitons were we were
planning to spend one night. The trip was very nice with a 12-15 knot NE
wind we flew the main for the short trip while I explained the boat to the
family. After a little difficulty we secured a mooring ball and enjoyed a
beautiful afternoon and evening between the Pitons. We were pleasantly
surprised to see both Sulana and Sotto Vento already tied up. Alan came over
from Sulana to say hello while we congratulated him on a job well done in
the ARC (Zero Motor Hours). We went over and said hello to Chris and Hazel
on Sotto Vento. It was nice catching up, no pun intended, and swapping
stories of our ARC crossing. We ate at the Great Room at Jalousie
Plantation. The meal was excellent and the staff incredible. This is such a
nice place we have decided to stay and extra night to enjoy this peaceful,
picturesque location.
