Wednesday 21st December
Nowcrew
Thu 22 Dec 2005 13:55
"Pirates
Bay" - The Bight, Norman Island, BVI's
It was up at 04.00
for Andy, Ron and Ian and we set sail towards the BVI's. this was going to be a
13 hour sail so we needed a very early start. Ian was on lobster pot duty up
front, which was not easy in the moonlight, and we slowly made our way from
Gustavia Bay out to sea.
We were clearly in
busy waters, we passed one ship after the next as we sailed around St. Martin
and Anguilla. Two cruise liners lit up like Christmas trees were anchored up off
the southern point of Anguilla and as we passed these the rain started.
We sat on deck as
the morning broke in waterproofs trying to find a dry spot which proved
difficult. Nico had joined us so Ron was off to bed again soon to be followed by
Andy. Nico, Ian and later Sarah sat out one rain shower after the next and after
a few hours were wet through despite the waterproofs. Every time it looked like
the sky's were getting brighter another black cloud would find it's way over the
boat. At times this felt worse than being mid Atlantic.
It was 8 hours into
the trip before Ron relieved Ian and guess what the rain stopped! Well not
totally but for the most. Andy soon did the same for Nico and Sarah and we all
had to have hot showers to warm us up again.
It took until 17.00
before we arrived at the BVI's and as this was after the customs had closed down
we decided to pull into a secure anchorage for the night. We passed Dead Man's
Chest and Treasure Island until Ron selected "Pirates Bay" on Norman Island for
the night. The kids were loving being in these surroundings.
Pirates Bay was a
very well organised anchorage with secure buoys for all the boats to pull up to.
Once secured a launch pulled up alongside to take our rubbish and sold groceries
/ essentials. Civilized sailing at last!
Ian set about making
Thai Red Curry for dinner and everyone was ferried ashore in the dingy to a
shack on the beach for drinks. The beach bar was a great hang out for all the
yacht crews in the bay and had it's own Pirates souvenir store as well so Bab's
topped up on Xmas gifts for the boys. Gillian and Rory built a big sandcastle on
the beach and its was not long before he had found himself a new girlfriend to
help! Back to the boat for the curry dinner, mild version for most and extra hot
for Frazer and Ian and guess what? Yes all in bed for
10.00!!
Nowcrew
out!