Yesterday saw us put the sail training that has been going on in the background into use as we beat and tacked hard on the wind for several hours making north through Sir Francis Drake’s channel.  We weathered a couple of full-on squalls with sails deeply reefed and took a thorough soaking.  All agreed it was the best day sailing so far, especially Marcus who referred to it as “proper” sailing and couldn’t be prised off the helm!  James has now mastered all aspects of crewing and he knows what to do without instruction – pretty impressive stuff!  It goes without saying that Mike and Trevor muck in whenever needed and thus we have become a good, safe team.  So good in fact that Marcus skippered the boat today taking full responsibility for managing the crew and all aspects of the boat.  He ordered us about like an old hand!

So yesterday we left The Bight on Norman Island and sailed to Marina Cay Island, carefully negotiating the treacherous reef that guards the anchorage.  Trevor and Mike chose Marina Cay for a Thursday night, as Michael Bean performs his Pirate musical act there during happy hour.  We enjoyed a 2½ hour session of humour and musical talent as he played one man band versions of well known songs, all with a pirate theme and lots of Oh Arrr….s and “me heartys”!  I attach a picture that explains it all.  Basically Yo Ho Ho and a Bottle of Rum!  I know a little boy called Tommy (my grandson), who would love to meet a proper pirate like Michael Bean.

Tonight finds us moored in a proper marina – Village Cay Marina in Road Town, Tortola.  Marcus skippered us here faultlessly in light winds, entertaining us with residual Oh Arrr…s periodically from the helm, much to the delight of the crew.  On arrival reality struck and we sorted laundry, mended broken bits and shopped in the local supermarket.  Road Town is a bustling financial centre with more banks and insurance companies in a mile long stretch than I have seen for a long time. 

Plans are afoot to visit Peter Island for the weekend and attempt to blag our way into the posh resort for a lounge around the swimming pool and perhaps the odd rum punch.  You’ll have to wait for the next blog entry to find out how we got on!

Nigel