21.11.71w 081.12.87

Wednesday 25^th April ‘07

On passage from Jamaica to Cuba.

 The sun is shining, the winds blowing about 24 knots from the east and the seas about 3 meters. We have just been given a delightful display of acrobatic swimming by a pod of porpoises and we are about 30 miles from our destination the island of Caya Largo off mainland Cuba. Yes it’s quite beautiful now.

It hasn’t been quite like this all the way.

We left Montego Bay Yacht Club marina on Monday. The weather was forecast to be 20 to 25 kts. Decreasing. However as we left the marina we were hit with winds of 28 kts and these stayed with us for 24 hours. Sailing with a reefed Jib we rocked and rolled. As we reached the Cayman Islands the wind eased a little and we were able to adjust our sails. Two reefs in the main and a reefed jib we settled down to another night expecting to arrive in Cuba the following evening. However the winds decreased and we had to shake out the reefs. Around 11pm a squall hit us, with winds of up to 35kts in every direction, resulting in a torn main sail and jib. On went the motor and we spent the next two hours struggling trying to save the remainder of the sails. Sailing boats don’t travel well on motor so we hoisted a small storm jib which balanced the boat. We eventually got sorted and  managed to get a couple of hours sleep.

 Weather forecasts!!!!!, We need a reliable one. But we are safe and the boat is sound and we don’t have too many incidents like this. Thank Goodness!!

But back to where I left you sailing on passage to Jamaica.

We arrived in Jamaica and made land fall on the north east of the island at Port Antonio. Took a berth in a smart new marina opened in 2002 called the Errol Flynn marina, Very nicely designed among lots of shrubbery and bright floral trees. Good security and very helpful marina staff. The manager Georgio was a great guy, very helpful with Customs etc. A local by the name of Presley, who worked round the marina managed to get our gas bottles filled and help with provisions from town.

The town outside the marina complex was back into the real Caribbean. The town called St Georges was a typical Caribbean town with market stalls selling fresh fruit and vegetables and of course T shirts and souvenirs. All very friendly and not threatening to the white man.  I didn’t have a problem shopping around and of course they all speak English always a help.

We made two stops along the north coast. Dripped our anchor overnight at Discovery bay and Port Marie both small towns and then on to Montego Bay. Here we went into the yacht club marina and once again found the place very pleasant and friendly.

 I had never thought of coming to Jamaica for a holiday but Graham and I both agreed we would like to return to the island for a holiday in the future. We had passed long sandy beaches and large hotels as we sailed along the coast that looked inviting.

The only grumble we had was Customs very friendly but so laid back that to get clearance when we were ready to leave took for ever

.

Now before I close I must tell you about Grahams fish. As you are aware Graham does enjoy fishing. To date we have caught quite a number of fish, reasonable size for meal or two. On our sail along the northern coast of Jamaica he hooked a large Dorado. He has sent out some photos  some of you will have seen the size of the fish. We thought it was lively, but as we reeled him in and saw his size I did wonder how we would land him. Bare in mind we have a small rod and net, no gaff hook, this was a challenge.

 Graham must have been reeling him in and out over an hour until we thought he would be tired and then with fingers crossed he got him up to the boat and lifted him in quickly with the rod. The fish landed with a bang, the hook flew out of his mouth, Graham and I jumped up on to the seats as all 4ft of fish thrashed about at the back of the boat. Quite a sight! We eventually got a grip of ourselves and constrained the fish long enough to give him a tot of vodka to send him to fish heaven. The freezer is now full and Graham is not allowed to fish again until we have eaten it all. By which time I will have hopefully

bought him a gaff hook and my memory of the incident will be less clear.

Will keep you informed.

Look after yourselves and keep the E mail coming

Joy