March 7, 2014

We set the alarm for 0500 but really didn't need it. Jorge was up way before that checking oil levels, weather, etc. and me, well, I was awake because of the hobby horsing of the boat was stayed in bed until 0500. Things were set for our departure. We weighed anchor just before 0600 and headed out of the Crooked Island anchorage. I must admit I was never so glad to leave an anchorage as I was this one. The week was like being inside a washing machine with the constant rolling. It was actually hazardous to our health getting in and out of the dinghy - having to time the swells just right!

Rochelle from Crooked Island in her school uniform.

 

The entrance to the small boat basin at Crooked Island, not easy to negotiate with the dinghy!

 

We made good time to the Acklins (first island past Crooked Island 6 hours away) but the wind still had not clocked sufficiently and the waves were uncomfortable. We were indecisive. We decided to call it quits and head into Atwood Harbour and wait for the winds to clock to the SW or W. After making the turn towards Atwood and sailing a bit, we thought maybe we made the wrong decision so we changed course again and continued on with the original plan. We got around the reef and thought no, we should go into Atwood especially since another boat was in the anchorage and said how calm it was. So back we went and anchored in Atwood only to pull up anchor half an hour later as the winds had clocked to the SW - just what we needed! The other boat also weighed anchor and the two of us left together to head to the Turks and Caicos. Needless to say with all the changes we lost at least 2 hours but what the heck we had the winds finally blowing in the direction we needed. The sailing was great and well worth the wait. We had one tack to West Plana Cay under full sail and no engine. After rounding West Plana, and adjusting the sails slightly we again had one tack all the way to the Turks and Caicos (10 hours), never even having to tweak them the whole night. The winds began to lessen in the early evening so we motor sailed. During the night there was luminescence in the water, something we have learned is actually algae glowing! It looked like fire flies dancing in the water.

Umbrella Rock at Atwood Harbour, Acklin Island.

 

March 8, 2014

We were approaching the Turks and Caicos around 0800 when we had some rain but managed to avoid the major storm cells. Against the "Bible" by Bruce Van Sant author of Passages South, we entered the Turks banks around 1000 not the recommended 0630 time. The winds were light so there was no problem. The tide was low so South Side Marina suggested waiting an hour before attempting to get to the marina, we arrived at the dock at 1330.

We filled out the paperwork and waited for Customs and Immigration to clear us in. There was a boat from Oakville clearing out and we met them. We then headed for showers. Happy hour followed at 1700 at Bob's Bar (the owner of the marina). We chatted with the couple from Oakville who are also heading further south. They kindly invited us to their boat for dinner. Wonderful! We had just pulled a 30-something hour sail and were dead tired. The last thing I wanted to do was cook. Appetizers was more my style, so that's what we brought with a bottle of wine. It was a great evening. Back to CS'ta Time at 2300. It was like heaven - no swells, quiet and peaceful - almost like being at our home club!

Sunrise on the way to the Turks and Caicos.

Overlooking the entrance to South Bay Marina from Bob's Bar, Caicos Banks in the background.

Office.

One of the resident dogs chillin' out.

March 9, 2014

I slept in until almost 0900. Jorge was up before that. We had forgotten it was daylight savings time so it was actually an hour later. The morning was really lazy. I went to town with Bob who runs a daily shuttle to the grocery store. It was like being in the states or Canada - a great store with a great selection although the prices were also great! Oh well, I have learned a saying on this trip - it is what it is. A motto which I have adopted. Jorge stayed at the marina and did some maintenance reading something about the bearings in the V-drive wearing out. There has been a vibration in the propeller shaft which Jorge believes comes from the bearings in the V-drive which will probably have to be replaced. More on that topic later.

When I returned from town we had lunch in the gazebo. Shortly afterwards Jorge had a siesta and I did a load of laundry. The rest of the afternoon was almost as lazy as the morning - something we desperately needed.

We had happy hour in the gazebo with another couple heading north on a catamaran. They just did a three day passage from Puerto Rico.

Supper on board and a lazy evening. Temp was warm, maybe 30C.